Factual
NGC commissions Pope Francis biopic & Space Shuttle Challenger disaster special
MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel is planning two specials focused on people and events that have had a profound impact on modern history. Jorge Mario Bergoglio – otherwise known as Pope Francis – will be the subject of the powerful and moving biopic, Rebel Pope. While Space Shuttle Challenger’s ill-fated 1986 flight will be revisited on its 30th anniversary via rare footage from the time in Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes.
Both one hour films are set to air globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages in early 2016.
Rebel Pope interweaves dramatic, scripted accounts of episodes from Bergoglio’s pre-Vatican life and career with documentary interviews from those close to him during this time. From Bergoglio’s childhood to his entry into the Jesuit order, the film tracks his rise through the Church hierarchy, and eventual emergence as the popular “Bishop of the Slums.” His radical views would stir controversy in some circles, but also put him in line to lead one of the world’s oldest and largest religious institutions. Filming on the biopic will take place in Argentina and Colombia.
NGCI executive vice president and head of international content Hamish Mykura said, “Pope Francis is a fascinating figure with an incredible backstory that hasn’t been told in full until now. Rebel Pope is the definitive story of his rise to power. Between the scripted elements and the interviews, we really get under the skin of this man of the people to find out how his inspiring beliefs evolved and what the influences were that shaped him on his path to the papacy.”
On 28 January, 1986, the eyes of the world were turned toward Cape Canaveral as NASA prepared to send the first civilian into the stratosphere. Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes follows the story of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew, including school teacher Christa McAuliffe. Chosen from thousands of applicants, the 36 year old’s objective was to expand the understanding of the nation’s school children about space and the next generation of interplanetary travel. But her dreams – and those of NASA – were tragically cut short when the Challenger exploded just after lift-off in front of a live television audience.
The events of the days leading up to the disaster are detailed in this unique film, told solely via rarely seen national and local news reports, and little-known internal NASA archival footage featuring Christa McAuliffe rehearsing the lessons she planned to give from space as well as from cameras inside Mission Control in the hours after the tragedy occurred.
Mykura added, “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a way never seen before and put the event into the context of its time, is a rare privilege. With leaps and bounds being made in space exploration, it is vital that we fully understand the trajectory that led us to this point and acknowledge those who sacrificed their lives in our quest to better understand the solar system.”
Rebel Pope is produced by Fox Telecolombia, a production company part owned by Fox International Channels. It is written and directed by Patrick Reams.
Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes is produced by 1895 Films. For 1895 Films, the executive producer is Tom Jennings, whereas for NGC Mykura is overseeing both productions.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
