Link to interview in L’Osservatore Romano, official newspaper of the Vatican.
(April 10, 2025 | By Roberto Cetera)

ENGLISH TRANSLATION
The life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin has an adventurous character, spiritual and otherwise, that is well suited to a film representation. The intuition was picked up in the United States by the American filmmaker Frank Frost who made — in collaboration with his wife Mary — the docufilm Teilhard: a visionary scientist, released last year and now available on a streaming platform. «L’Osservatore Romano» reached Frost in his home in Washington DC.

Mr. Frost, why a film about Teilhard de Chardin? What inspired you?
I have always admired the figure of Teilhard, both from a spiritual point of view and as a scientist. I believe he represented a central figure in the thought of the last century, but whose fame did not go beyond the confines of insiders. So I thought of making a film that would make him known to the general public, not just the religious one.

What fascinated you about Teilhard?
I think he left us a strong legacy of knowledge of creation together with a spirituality rich in hope for the future. His evolutionary approach not only profoundly innovated theological thought, but above all paved the way for a no longer fearful understanding of anthropological changes, in a different Christological perspective. And then some of his essential themes, let me say, combine perfectly with a cinematic representation; I think for example of his taste for adventure, the search for existential meaning, the unresolved conflict with authority, the primacy of the spirit and the infinite power of love. And so also his biography: from the passion for geological and paleontological sciences that he took on during walks in the mountains with his father as a child, to the transmission of a deep and spiritual faith transmitted to him by his mother.

What does Teilhard say to today’s man, also through his film?
A lot. Starting from a necessary and renewed awareness of man’s destiny: his studies and his reflections force man to deal with his origin and his destination. As a species and as an individual. And then there is the stringent reference to themes that have become of pressing topicality today, such as the application of artificial intelligence and “transhumanism”.

How has the film been received?
The film was presented for the first time last May on the public network of Maryland and is now accessible through the app of the Pbs platform. We are working right now on an Italian-language edition, again through our production company, Frank Frost Productions, LLC.  It’s a work that from conception to completion took 13 years, includes 35 interviews that — together with the sourcing of documentary material — involved 25 locations in four countries on three continents. The feedback from the public and critics that we have collected so far has been extremely positive, and rewards the dedication with which we have approached this important work over the years. Teilhard was very important for our generation: we would like him to be known through this film also by a younger audience.

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A year before Teilhard de Chardin’s death, his nephew heard him say, “I should like to die on the day of Resurrection.” He said he would take that as a sign the Lord approved of his life’s work. The next year, on April 10, 1955, when Teilhard died, it was Easter Sunday.

On this 70th anniversary of his death, as we remember the sentiment overheard by his nephew, we also recollect Teilhard’s contemplation on death, found in his essay, “The Heart of Matter”: “Lord, since with every instinct of my being and through all the changing fortunes of my life, it is you whom I have ever sought, you whom I have set at the heart of universal matter, it will be in a resplendence which shines through all things and in which all things are ablaze, that I shall have the felicity of closing my eyes.”

Our gratitude for the witness of his life and his legacy of thought is well-expressed in this prayer from the Episcopal Liturgical lectionary for today, the Feast of Teilhard de Chardin: “We give you thanks, Creator God , for your servant Teilhard, and for all those who help us to see you in your universe.”

Christine Tracy has written a lovely personal memoir that reads like a novel.  Introducing visionary Pierre Teilhard de Chardin as an inspiration and virtual mentor in her prologue, she takes us on a tour of her life, through thick and thin, in ten engaging chapters, each a story in itself.  Her title, Just Trust Life, springs from the inspiration she takes from Teilhard to face the obstacles (what he would call diminishments) in her life.  By interlacing Teilhard’s insights with her own existential encounters with life, she introduces us to this famous priest, scientist, and philosopher, while offering hope and encouragement to the rest of us who also face reversals and crises in our lives.  Teilhard was an evolutionist a century ago when evolution wasn’t cool in the Catholic Church and paid a price for it.  Above all, Teilhard’s version of evolution emphasizes the evolution of consciousness, offering a vision of hope for the future.  And this is the evolution that Dr. Tracy details in her own life.  She knows how to tell a story and makes reading a pleasure. 

Just Trust Life earns five stars for its readability. Just Trust Life is available on Amazon.

Christine M. Tracy is a writer, journalist, rhetorician, and Teilhardian scholar. She holds a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she studied the evolution of media and worked as a founding editor of one of the web’s first e-zine, Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine.) Read full bio at this link.

When it comes to Teilhard: Visionary Scientist, we are most grateful for much good news: streaming nationally and internationally; more than 35,000 viewers around the world; three broadcast dates; the film’s translation into Mandarin, as well as Arabic, Turkish, and Farsi, for future satellite broadcast in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

And the feedback from viewers has been extraordinarily positive:  “Riveting, moving, beautifully done.” “The content is deep, yet approachable and rich with history.” “I believe it will have a lasting impact on my life.” These are just a few of the comments from viewers from around the United States and across the world – Luxembourg, India, France, Russia, and Australia, to name a few places. Read more reviews from viewers at this blog link.

But our job is not done.  We need to keep expanding the film’s audience, and achieve its full impact through educational and community outreach. Teilhard’s evolutionary vision responds to many of the critical issues we face today, in both civil society, and in the world of religion. He models the resolution of tension between science and faith.  He speaks to a new generation deeply involved in climate change, technology, medical innovations, and space exploration.  His focus on the evolution of consciousness resonates with the ascent of artificial intelligence (AI).  In short, he calls us to accept our role and responsibility in co-creating the future. 

In addition to further broadcasts and distribution, this requires educational outreach to high schools, colleges, parishes, retreat houses, scientific institutions.  It means editing and adding our scholar interviews to our website, along with video clips we were unable to squeeze into the film. 

All of these efforts require financial resources – need your help.  Know that we are most grateful for whatever you can donate to support our ongoing efforts.

Teilhard: Visionary Scientist was first broadcast in May 2024, on Maryland Public Television (MPT), with a subsequent broadcast in July, followed by broadcast on Washington DC’s PBS station WETA Metro in October 2024.  In the meantime it was released for national streaming on the free PBS app.  A direct link makes the film accessible internationally as well as in the U.S.  To date more than 30,000 viewers have watched the film.

The response to the film has been extraordinary.  Hundreds of viewers have responded with emails expressing gratitude for the film, and often stating how much it means to them.  What follows is a small sample of excerpts from those emails. 

I am writing to let you know how simply perfect your film on Teilhard is. I feel that you’ve captured the essence of his humanity and the power of his ideas, and you placed that in the context of our times. The narrative unfolded beautifully and dramatically.   ~Christine Tracy, Denver

I found it riveting, moving, beautifully done.  Thank you for all you poured into this piece of art/history/science….. ~Nelda Hernandez, Milwaukee

This superb documentary surveying the life and thought of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the Jesuit priest and paleontologist, has arrived in time for the seventieth anniversary commemoration of his death on Easter Sunday, 1955. ~Stephen Schloesser, SJ, Chicago, for Catholic Historical Review

I thought it was marvelous. The photography is very sophisticated and your narrative is compellingly clear. I learned much about Teilhard’s inner life as you bring us through various critical periods. But most of all his deep spirituality shines through and is arresting. So well done my friends. Thank you for this permanent record of a truly exemplary Christian.  ~Roger Haight, SJ, New York City

This movie is brilliant… I can’t tell how much I enjoyed how the storyline, footage, music…AMAZING.  Apart from the outstanding production value, the content is deep, yet approachable and rich with history and great footages from different countries and a compelling story of a passionate man who was recognized internationally yet felt rejected by his own people. ~George Makeen, Cyprus

I’m at a loss for words adequate to its excellence. “Teilhard: Visionary Scientist” is exactly what so many of us who find deep wisdom in Teilhard’s life and work have longed to see, presented in an intelligent, informed, professional, and artistic way. ~Donald Viney, Pittsburgh

The Teihard documentary is beautifully done and so informative. It will make a lot be open to considering how science can help us put the whole of human experience into perspective. ~Bill Joseph

So beautifully done! Totally gripping! So wide in scope and imagery, so rich in information! A fantastic piece of work! Thank you so much for your great effort and congratulations on your superb creativity! ~Hilda Gerghty, Dublin

I was deeply moved.  To have all these images and text curated in one place, for two precious hours, will be a great gift to both those who know and love Teilhard’s thought already and for future generations who will discover it. ~Brian Paulson, SJ, Washington, DC

You have made a remarkable contribution to furthering attention and serious study of Teilhard’s thought with your film.  ~John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker, Yale University

The film on Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin is a masterpiece!.  Your ability to condense Fr. Teilhard de Chardin’s long, richly intellectual, scientific and spiritual life into an absorbing film story is a monumental artistic achievement.   ~Frank Butler, Reston, VA

I’m in awe. I cried at the end; not just because of the profound life of Teilhard but also because of your gift to his legacy through making such a beautiful and important film.
I had to pause the movie a few times just to think, take pictures of quotes or write things down. I’ve deeply struggled with my Catholic faith in the last few years and yet this was such a great reminder of how we can be faithful and yet challenge the church and how the world is presented to us through it’s lens.  ~Raechael Schwaller, Helena, Montana

Following a text message from Michael Unland, the Director of CAMECO, I watched your documentary film about Teillard de Chardin last Friday. I am thrilled! What research work, what a composition of archive images and interviews, what a brilliant film. I was able to learn a lot from your film, even though I thought I knew a little about Teillhard. Thank you very much for this great film. ~Theo Peporte,  Luxembourg

“If you already know Teilhard, this film is for you. If you don’t know Teilhard, this film is for you.” ~Therese Bertsch, Sayville, NY

Just wanted to say how very grateful I am personally to have watched your film. It was clearly a labor of love and has expanded my understanding of how his life and his thought evolved. His vision is so needed in our world today. ~Daniel Misleh, ZOOM Call

Thank you for all your hard work and perseverance in producing this wonderful movie about Teilhard.  I loved it and will no doubt watch it again and share the links with friends.   ~Carol Rohloff, CSJ

What a superb cinematic achievement! You both did the life & thought of Teilhard a great honor.  The show is comprehensive, very informative, & provocative. ~H. James Birx, Budapest

The truth portrayed in this film is deeply touching, sometimes tears.  ~Gail Waring, Australia

Thank you so much for your inspiring documentary.  Until today, I knew very little about Teilhard, his personal life, his single view of science AND religion.  Everything about it is a work of art, and a work of love — yours. ~Virginia Oehler, Washington, DC

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to view the movie yesterday.  I believe it will have a lasting impact on my life.  ~Mary Cahill, Washington, DC

I just finished viewing your magnificent film. The visuals are stunning and so insync with the message as well as narratively exciting. Your script is so clear, warm, informative, and emotionally gripping. It is for me a great synthesis of what I have come to understand from my delving into Teilhard’s works. ~Michael Sala, SJ,  New York City

Moved beyond measure, I have just experienced an elevation of thought and deep spirituality. Your concentration of 13 years on the man, the priest, the scientist, the rejected and depressed is a masterpiece.  ~Jacqueline Francois, New York

This film is absolutely stunning.  On more than one occasion, it brought tears to my ears.  What a man, what a vision, what a film.  Thank you for doing this. ~Peg Bartel, Alexandria, VA

It is gorgeous, very captivating and beautiful. ~Elena Ignatieva, St. Petersburg, Russia     

We have spent a wonderful evening watching your film.  It is a triumph. We think it is a beautiful, very interesting, film that eloquently presents this magnificent man whose insights and visions are so very right for the contemporary world.  What a gift you both have created.  ~Jane and Greg Moore, Darwin, Australia

I love what I see.  You both have done an inspired and overwhelmingly beautiful tribute of love. It stands for me a magnificant testimony to your love of the man and your love of each other. the work you have done together to touch the things that touched and shaped his life are now shared with us. ~Thomas O’Leary, Pennsylvania

This is a great achievement and this will go into history. i am sure God will bless you both abundantly for this wonderful contribution to the society. ~Dr. Magimai Pragasam, India

Congratulations!  Congratulations!  Congratulations!  What an accomplishment.  And all I can say is WOW!  You document so well the frustrating journey that he had to present his vision that must, and still needs to even more, establish a base for future theological thinking.  I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the place of women in the development and maturing of his ideas. ~Jesse Wright,  Florida

There is only one word to describe it: ‘PHEONOMENAL”.  It was worth the thirteen years of their dedicated work and research.  I will be sharing this with some of the priests here at the Villa and some of the Sisters of Mercy with whom I serve on one of their university Board of Trustees.  ~Fr. Jack Benkik, Scranton, PA 

W E L L   D O N E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !  Very beautiful and we had quite a discussion afterwards about Spirit/Matter/Evolution/Us.  Leellen said, “how come we don’t get this in our sermons at church?”   And the truth is, she’s right.  We DON’T hear priests/pastors particularly integrating science and religion in their preaching.   THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT OF A FILM!!!! ~Marjorie Suchocki, Dallas, TX

We watched your film last night and time went by sooo quickly!! Congratulations to You & Mary for making such an extraordinary documentary on Teilhard. What we loved??? The fact that you were able to combine Teilhard de Chardin chronological life  with his mystical progression as well as his demons in a very accurate and simple manner. Your movie looks like a universal tale intertwined with love, loss, struggle, passion…. ~Marie Reltien, Paris, France

This documentary is exceptionally excellent for multiple reasons.
I learned so much about Teilhard’s life as it flowed. …
I felt so much about what Teilhard endured and contributed.  I felt his relationships with the church and with science very deeply as I have my own history of similar situations. …
I enjoyed the way the film pulled me into situations as if I were actually there. The photos, videos, personal accounts and readings were all treasures shared. …
When I move forward to read more of Teilhard’s works, I know with this new framework of his life experiences and beliefs, I will be able to reach deeper and with even greater gratitude for what he has contributed.
When I move forward to read more of Teilhard’s works, I know with this new framework of his life experiences and beliefs, I will be able to reach deeper and with even greater gratitude for what he has contributed. ~Betty Luceigh

I expected to be engaged in watching your film, but I was literally transfixed. I thought I had a sense of who Teilhard was, but my awareness was woefully inadequate. What an accomplishment!     ~Bruce Pfeffer, Washington, DC