The tale of the most decorated chaplain in U.S. military history, Emil Kapaun is getting adapted to the silver screens and there is a lot of buzz surrounding who will make up the cast and crew for the upcoming feature film. Having been a priest before his enlistment, Emil Kapaun is remembered for his kind deeds during his time in the Korean War. Trimax Media and Wayward Pictures will be collaborating together to develop the film that is titled as ‘Father Kapaun’s Valley’.
Joining the crew as the film’s director is Stephen Campanelli. Stephen Campanelli is a popular filmmaker and is the recipient of several accolades. His popular works include, ‘Grand Isle’, ‘Momentum’ and ‘Badland Wives’. The screenplay for the film will be developed by John Stansifer who will also be serving as the film’s co- producer. John Stansifer is a popular writer/ playwright whose works include, ‘No Bullet Got Me Yet’ which is an account of Father Emil Kapaun’s time in the service. The book has also been part of the source material for the film. Other additions to the crew include Alan Glazer and Jerry Randels who will be heading the production team.
Who was Emil Kapaun?
Father Emil Kapaun, was originally a Roman Catholic Priest who served as an Army chaplain during the Korean War which spanned from 1950- 1953. During the war, Emil Kapaun is said to have selflessly risked his life to help other soldiers survive, providing them hope and consolation through their faith, regardless of what their religion was. Some of the recorded accounts of his deeds include the time when he was captured by Chinese forces at the Battle of Unsan, in November 1950. As a result, he was held as a hostage until his death. Despite it all, Emil Kapaun continued to indulge in innumerable hours of prayer, consoling other captives, as well as reserving what little food he could find, for the other starving fellow soldiers to prevent them from death. Eventually, Emil Kapaun died in captivity on May 23, 1951. Despite being listed as MIA for almost 70 years, his remains were found in the end. Emil Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the US Army in 2013. This was followed by him being declared as a “Servant of God” by Pope John Paul II. Inn 2015, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita officially presented Father Kapaun’s Cause for Canonization to the Vatican for him to be declared as a saint.