Secret Files of the Inquisition

- The Truth Behind the Most Notorious Suppression in Religious History Told in the Words of the Victims Themselves; An Epic, Intimate Look at Thousands of Innocent Men, Women and Children who Suffered During a Reign of Terror that Spanned More Than Six Centuries -

Murder, betrayal, terror and torture - every detail of the Inquisition was documented by the Catholic Church in secret files that have been locked away for centuries. But in 1998, more than 700 years after the Inquisition began, the Vatican finally opened the heretofore sealed archives of the longest and most notorious suppression in religious history. As Pope John Paul II said at the time, "the Inquisition belongs to a tormented phase in the history of the Church, which ... Christians [should] examine in a spirit of sincerity and open-mindedness."

On Wednesdays, May 9-16, 2007, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET, PBS presents the American television premiere of SECRET FILES OF THE INQUISITION, an extraordinary look at one of the darkest chapters in Christianity's history. Narrated by actor Colm Feore, the four-part docudrama portrays the true stories of the tragic victims of the religious intolerance of the Inquisition, spanning time periods and locations from medieval France to 15th-century Spain, Renaissance Italy and even into the 19th century.

Drawing on these documents, and on additional historical research, the miniseries tells its tale through detailed re-creations of pivotal events — from the Inquisition's all-out war on the Cathars in 13th- and 14th-century France to its last determined effort to maintain power in the face of the 19th-century's rising democratic tide.

SECRET FILES OF THE INQUISITION is at once epic and intimate, focusing on compelling characters in the 600-year drama, from the ruthless architects of the Inquisition to its helpless victims. Each episode features first-person testimonies from the files - verbatim accounts from nobles and peasants, priests and scholars, and mothers and fathers defending themselves and their families against accusations of heresy, literally arguing for their lives.

The series includes commentary from Catholic theologian Rev. Joseph A. Di Noia, Undersecretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican, and, according to The Guardian (London), "possibly the highest ranking Vatican official ever to be interviewed publicly on the subject."

SECRET FILES OF THE INQUISITION also includes insights from some of the world’s foremost writers and researchers on the Inquisition, including Medieval scholar David Gitlitz (Secrecy & Deceit, A Drizzle of Honey); historian and papacy expert Stephen Haliczer, Northern Illinois University; novelist Charmaine Craig, author of The Good Men; David Kertzer, author of The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara, The Popes Against the Jews and Prisoner of the Vatican; and Agostino Borromeo of Sapienza University in Rome.

The series was shot in high definition in Spain at historic locations that include castles, monasteries and cathedrals. An ensemble cast of Spanish and Canadian actors and more than 60 extras were engaged in the re-enactments.

SECRET FILES OF THE INQUISITION has been honored with the Leo Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score and the Gold Medal for Docudrama from the New York Festivals.

Series creator David Rabinovitch was presented with Canada's Gemini Award for Best Direction. The series marks a return to directing for Rabinovitch after serving as vice-president for production at KCTS Seattle. His work has received numerous honors, including the Peabody Medal, two Emmys and four CINE Golden Eagles.

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