Ronald Joffe begins film on St Josemaria Escriva

Ronald Joffe, the academy award winning director whose work includes: 'The Mission, City of Joy and 'The Killing Fields' has begun shooting a film in Argentina about St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei.

Joffe has also written the screenplay of the movie, entitled: 'There Be Dragons'. He told a press conference that he decided not to use a script offered by Opus Dei, because he wanted more creative freedom. An Opus Dei priest, Fr John Wauk who is a professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, is working as an advisor on the film.

Joffe told a press conference he was taken with St Josemaria's idea that a way to God is found through everyday life.

'There Be Dragons' is set during the Spanish Civil War and stars Charlie Cox in the title role. Wes Bentley has been cast as his friend Manolo. Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko plays a Hungarian woman who supports the Republican cause.

The film is expected to be released in the autumn of 2010