THE
LIGHTHOUSE
A FEATURE FILM
Based on the Book by Michael D. O’Brien
Help Bring
The Lighthouse
To The Screen
Michael D. O’Brien’s unforgettable novel The Lighthouse is being transformed into a feature film—brought to life by the acclaimed filmmakers behind Paul, Apostle of Christ and The Blind. In partnership with Sacred Arthouse, Ignatius Press invites you to be part of a rare and powerful cinematic work—one that blends artistic excellence with deep spiritual meaning.
This is more than a movie. It’s a movement to share truth, beauty, and faith through story.
Your support makes it possible.
Every gift helps bring this vision to light.
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“
They that go down to the sea in ships, trading upon the waters, they see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep.
—Psalm 107:23
“
He heard his voice trembling as he said, Sometimes I feel a listening all around me.
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THEMES
A film about solitude, loneliness, grief, longing…
The Lighthouse explores rich human themes:
- When does solitude become isolation?
- Where do our regrets reside?
- How can artistic expression heal loneliness?
- What ripples from our choices and actions, and how far does it reach?
- What does it mean to live well?
- Can grace truly mend our brokenness and failings?
“
She told him her name was Elsie Whitty, and recounted stories as if he were one of her own family.
The Story
Ethan McQuarry is a young lighthouse keeper on a tiny island, the rugged outcropping of easternmost Cape Breton Island on the Atlantic Ocean. A man without any family, he sees himself as a silent vigilant, performing his duties courageously year after year, with an admirable sense of responsibility.
He cherishes his solitude and is grateful that his interactions with human beings are rare. Even so, he is haunted by his aloneness in the world and by a feeling that his life is meaningless. His courage, his integrity, his love of the sea and wildlife, of practical skills and of learning are, in the end, not enough. He is faced with internal storms and sometimes literal storms of terrifying power.
From time to time he becomes aware that messengers are sent to him from what he calls “the awakeness” in existence, “the listeningness”. But he cannot at first recognize them as messengers nor understand what they might be telling him, until he finds himself caught up in catastrophic events, and begins to see the mysterious undercurrents of reality—and the hidden face of love
“
Some people stole, but others gave. Too many takers, and the boat capsizes; enough givers, and she rights herself. It was a matter of choice what kind of person you would be.
WRITER / DIRECTOR
ANDREW HYATT is the award-winning writer/director of the historical dramas Paul, Apostle of Christ and Full of Grace and the award winning thrillers, The Last Light and The Frozen. Hyatt’s All Those Small Things premiered at the 2021 Seattle International Film Festival, and his historical biopic Sight starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen was released wide theatrically in 2024. Hyatt’s film The Blind released in over 1700 theaters in September 2023 and set an all-time box office record for Fathom Events. Hyatt’s passion is in the creation of content that is deeply personal, seeking to tell stories that delve deeper into the drama of the human condition. Exploring good and evil, truth and beauty.
“
But there’s something bigger than us — us humans. We’ll never master all of it. I think that’s what we’re meant to learn.
A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1978 by Fr. Joseph Fessio, Ignatius Press publishes and distributes robustly Catholic literature and media of superior quality that strengthens the faith of a broad range of Catholics. Ours is an authentically Catholic apostolate loyal to the Magisterium, publishing works that look to the future while grounding themselves in the foundation of the past.
Ignatius Press
The Five Pillars
1. Publishing Leadership. Ignatius Press sells millions of books and videos each year—novels and memoirs, theology and philosophy, apologetics and Church documents, books for children and young adults. We have over 2,500 titles available, and add 60 books and films each year. We also develop standard-setting texts such as the Ignatius Study Bible.
2. Creative and Educational Multimedia. Ignatius Press collaborates with filmmakers, composers, musicians, and other contributors to produce a catalogue of entertaining, aesthetically pleasing, and creative works that match our intellectual products in quality and reach. Each year, we sell 95,000 films and 100,000+ children’s books.
3. An Expansive Distribution Network. Ignatius Press reaches dioceses, seminarians/seminaries, priests, and families around the country, with 30,000+ direct buyers, 1,500+ bookstore partners, and 7,500 Catholic parishes and schools purchasing annually. Our recently-launched Ignatius book fairs are helping us connect more families and schoolchildren with the best literature!
4. A Community of Purpose. Ignatius Press contributors include several dozen of today’s top Catholic thinkers, writers, apologists, and artists—including Peter Kreeft, George Weigel, Michael O’Brien, Cardinal Sarah, Leah Libresco, and more. Authors turn to Ignatius Press as a first-choice partner to reach the widest audience possible.
5. A Light in the Darkness. Ignatius Press maintains a joyful witness to the Catholic faith in the heart of San Francisco, where we work closely with the Archdiocese and other Catholic institutions to host conferences, retreats, and a Walk for Life.
Ignatius Press
Ignatius Press is the English-speaking world’s leading publisher of intellectual and spiritual nourishment for Catholics.
