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“There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.”
Father Edward J. Flanagan is perhaps best known as the founder of Boys Town and for being portrayed by Spencer Tracy in the 1938 Oscar-winning Boys Town film.
But this is actually the middle of his story.
Heart of a Servant reveals the full picture of Father Flanagan’s life and the challenges he overcame to provide abandoned and orphaned children with an opportunity to thrive. He responded to the most pressing questions of his era regarding at-risk youth with answers that were blind to color or creed.
This was no easy task in early 20th century America for an immigrant priest from Ireland who was facing Jim Crow laws and raising societal issues that most politicians would prefer to ignore.
Father Edward J. Flanagan is an often overlooked American hero who saved the lives of countless orphans by establishing Boys Town and working internationally to provide guidance on public policy toward children in war-torn countries around the world. The principles he espoused continue to influence lawmakers internationally today and Boys Town still stands more than 100 years later, having aided hundreds of thousands of children on their way to a brighter future.
Watch the film to experience the full story of a selfless man whose unwavering pursuit of safety and security for the most vulnerable members of society led him to international influence and a saintly legacy that continues today.
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cause for canonization
The Father Flanagan League exists to promote the cause for Father Edward J. Flanagan’s sainthood.
Click here to learn more about their efforts and join their mission to recognize Father Flanagan’s saintly life.
meet the cast
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“The work will continue, you see, whether I am there or not,
because it is God's work, not mine.”
- Fr. Edward J. Flanagan
meet the team
Rob Kaczmark
Co-Director | Executive Producer
Rob Kaczmark founded Spirit Juice Studios in 2007 to further elevate Catholic video. He has since won many awards, including 12 Emmy Awards. Rob also launched Spirit Juice Kids—a channel with more than 500K YouTube subscribers. Rob and his wife Kim are the proud parents of two boys.
Daniel Gebert
Co-Director | Writer
Daniel Gebert is a lifelong lover of film and storytelling. He has earned two Emmy Awards and offered creative direction to many projects. When he’s not developing stories or directing films, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and wife Aleece, and practicing his passion for photography.
Victoria McEachern
Producer
Victoria McEachern is known for her communications work throughout the Church, and is passionate about sharing her experience through mentorship of young women. Victoria has won multiple awards, including Emmy and Gabriel Awards, and serves as the Director of Business Development for Spirit Juice Studios.
Kelly Cunningham
Writer
Kelly Cunningham has worked in a variety of roles in the film industry, pairing her experience with a degree in cinema and an MFA in screenwriting from DePaul University. As Supervising Producer at Spirit Juice Studios, she plays a key role in overseeing the work of a busy team producing dozens of concurrent projects. Kelly is an avid fan of the performing arts in Chicago.
Seneca Lester
Supervising Producer | Executive Producer
Seneca Lester has decades of industry experience including notable works such as The Resurrection of Gavin Stone and Fields of Valor: The Civil War. He brings a true Producer perspective to his role as EVP Operations at Spirit Juice Studios. In addition to his extensive credits, Seneca has won many awards, including five Emmys. Seneca is a devoted husband and proud father of two.
Branden J. Stanley
Executive Producer
Branden Stanley is a talented and established filmmaker who leads the creative vision at Spirit Juice Studios as EVP Development. He has earned eight Emmy Awards and uses his expertise to guide the team in creating hundreds of films, documentaries, and narrative pieces. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their three boys.
Jonathan Roumie
Executive Producer
Actor, producer, director and voice-over artist, Jonathan Roumie was born and raised in New York City. Roumie is best-known for his award-winning role as ‘Jesus’ in THE CHOSEN, the critically-acclaimed, streaming TV series about the life of Christ. Additional TV credits also include CHICAGO MED, THE MINDY PROJECT, THE GOOD WIFE, LAW & ORDER and the NCIS franchise.