A new feature film pays tribute to Father Marino Rigon, an Italian missionary lauded for his outstanding contributions to education, socioeconomic development, culture and literature as well as Bangladesh’s independence struggle during his more than six decades of service.

The Father: An Untold Story is a joint venture between Bangladesh and Italy. More than 200 actors from Italy, New Zealand, Brazil and Britain have participated in auditions for the film in various cities in Italy. Shooting is expected to start soon in Venice and Vicenza, Italy, and Khulna, Mongla and Jessore, Bangladesh, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Bangladeshi writer Shahaduzzaman scripted the screenplay of the film, which will be helmed by Hemanta Sadeeq, a local film producer and director.

Sadeeq and Rocco Cosentino, the Italian producer of the film, have been in touch with Father Rigon’s family and received their support, executive producer Lisa Asma Akter told the Dhaka Tribune.

The film is an effort to honour the “selfless sacrifices” of Father Rigon for the people of Bangladesh, said director Sadeeq. “Father Rigon was an extraordinary man who made unconditional sacrifices for the people of Bangladesh. This film will be a tiny homage to this great soul,” Sadeeq wrote on his Face-book page.

The Church has hailed the new initiative to honour the missionary, said Bishop James Romen Boiragi of Khulna, where Father Rigon was chiefly based.

“Father Rigon made tremendous contributions in uplifting the status of poor and marginalized communities, in education, culture and literature. His life and work have brightened the image of the Church in the country and abroad. We are glad and grateful that a new film is being made to pay tribute to Father Rigon,” Bishop Boiragi, chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Social Communication Commission, told ucanews.