Purpose
Mother Teresa & Me: A Film about Love and Compassion
Jacqueline Fritschi‑Cornaz as Mother Teresa in the film ‘Mother Teresa & Me’.
‘Mother Teresa & Me’ is a Swiss‑Indian‑British feature film whose budget was raised through donations and foundation grants. All proceeds fully support the poorest children by improving their access to education and healthcare. The visionary film project was initiated by Jacqueline Fritschi‑Cornaz. Her personal account.
Text by Jacqueline Fritschi‑Cornaz
Black‑and‑white portrait of Jacqueline Fritschi‑Cornaz.
‘Mother Teresa & Me’ is a Swiss‑Indian‑British feature film whose budget was raised through donations and foundation grants. Its proceeds support the poorest children in their education and health. The film project was initiated by Jacqueline Fritschi‑Cornaz.
Deeply affected by the misery and lack of prospects among street children I encountered on my first trip to India, I decided to act—to contribute what I could for these children. But how?
Mother Teresa, whose image greeted me as I entered a Bollywood film studio, became the “initial spark” for the humanitarian feature film ‘Mother Teresa & Me’ hich premiered at the end of September.
From a vision to a visionary film project
Together with my husband Richard, we developed ideas and founded the Swiss Zariya Foundation. The aim of this foundation and of the impactful, sustainable feature film is to inspire an international audience – across ages and backgrounds – to reflect on their own values, to pursue life goals and visions despite personal doubts, and to foster greater humanity in their own environments.
All film proceeds go to organizations committed to education and health for the poorest children—starting in India, where Mother Teresa began her work. In this way, the film becomes an effective, sustainable instrument and multiplier.
Bringing this vision to life required a great deal of courage, patience, and perseverance from my team and me. We are grateful that, over the past 12 years, we were able to win the support of 35 foundations and companies and more than 200 private individuals for the ‘Mother Teresa & Me’ film project. The production budget of CHF 4 million was raised.
The saint—and a young woman of today
We were independently referred to the Swiss director and screenwriter Kamal Musale by three sources. Together, he and I embarked on three years of research. We held conversations with people who knew Mother Teresa personally, delved into biographies, and studied the letters about her “years of darkness,” which were only published in 2007.
Kamal developed a compelling screenplay that interweaves two parallel narratives: the life story of the woman behind the saint, and a fictional story about Kavita, a young woman of today.
Kamal Musale subsequently planned the entire production and, as director, led the shoots in Mumbai, London, and Kolkata. Because of the pandemic, we had to contend with major challenges and remain flexible at all times – ready to switch to Plan B or C. Fortunately, filming in Mumbai wrapped just a few days before the local lockdown in 2020.
Thanks to Kamal Musale’s prudent and responsible organization, filming resumed in October 2020 in London and then in Kolkata. After a delay of about a year and a half, the final shoots took place in June 2021 in London, and production was completed in August of this year.
Years of preparation
In this international project, I portrayed a woman who is considered a saint yet remains controversial. With great interest, joy, and respect, I explored the personality behind the myth and sought to present her as a complex human being with all her contradictions. It was important to me to portray Mother Teresa in all her facets – including her personal despair – and thus contribute to a modern, gripping feature film.
For years I prepared for this role, visiting a convent in Switzerland to speak with a nun and gain insight into the inner journey that Mother Teresa undertook. I also worked with the Sisters in Kolkata at a children’s home for multiply disabled, abandoned children to experience that dedication firsthand and to gain a glimpse into the daily life of the Missionaries of Charity.
It matters to me to encourage audiences, through this film, to hold fast to their own life goals and not give up. Through Kavita’s eyes, viewers discover Mother Teresa’s resolve and humility, but also her anger, her despair, and her unbroken courage.
Photo: In one scene, Mother Teresa speaks with a clergyman.
Teresa’s words resonate today
Inspired by the humble woman from Kolkata, Kavita begins to reflect on her own life, reassess her values, learn to love herself, and take responsibility for herself and others. The film ‘Mother Teresa & Me’ does not shy away from addressing the controversies surrounding this pioneer of peace.
Mother Teresa’s oft‑quoted words – “Don’t wait for leaders, do it alone, person to person” – are more relevant today than ever. Our world needs committed people with empathy and the will to tackle and implement solutions together. We are all called upon to look closely, reflect, and act to- assume greater responsibility within our own sphere of influence in order to create peaceful and just coexistence – and more humanity on this planet.
Would you like to get involved?
I would be delighted if PURPOSE readers feel addressed by the film ‘Mother Teresa & Me’, recommend it to others, and/or choose to share this film vision with a donation via the Zariya Foundation.
The ‘Mother Teresa & Me’ film is being presented at the Zurich Film Festival, at additional international festivals, and shown in cinemas and on television, before being distributed worldwide via streaming.
All proceeds from the film support the poorest children in their education and health—starting in India, where Mother Teresa built her work.
Source : https://www.purpose-magazin.de/mutter-teresa-ein-vorbild-mit-widerspruechen/