ABOUT THE FILM
Helvetian: The Last Stand
Fund the Feature Film & Behind-the-Scenes Documentary
Real men. Real oaths. Real sacrifice.
An epic, true-to-life origin story of the Papal Swiss Guards—from their arrival in Rome to their heroic Last stand on May 6, 1527—told as a gripping, uplifting, historical action drama and a vérité behind-the-scenes documentary.
We believe audiences are hungry for films that entertain and elevate—stories that honor family, integrity, and courage.
Helvetian: The Last Stand is about the choices ordinary men make that echo forever. It’s a movie about honor, oaths, and the human capacity to choose courage—the kind we usually reserve for superheroes.
The Story We’re Telling
In January 1506, a band of Swiss mercenaries marches into Rome. Over two decades, their identity transforms—tested by politics, war, and the Renaissance’s turbulence—until they become Defenders of the Faith not just by title, but by choice. The story culminates in the Sack of Rome on May 6, 1527, when 147 Guards stand their ground at the gates of the Teutonic Cemetery, buying the time needed to usher Pope Clement VII to safety.
Think David vs. Goliath, 300— true, human, and rooted in the Italian Renaissance.
Alongside the feature, our behind-the-scenes documentary follows the journey: walking the historic route, interviews (former and future Guards), training, choreography, and the craft of bringing history to life with grit and authenticity.
Our companion documentary doesn’t just tell the truth—it walks it. Through interviews with Swiss Guards, historians, and ecclesial authorities, and an interactive retracing of the original march over the Alps to Rome, we invite audiences to experience how ordinary men became extraordinary through choices of honor. Help us bring that journey to life—authentically, independently, and for families who crave stories that elevate.
Production Roadmap
- Principal Photography: Switzerland → Italy (including Via Francigena segments)
- Post-Production: edit, score, sound, VFX polish, color
- Festival/Release: screenings, community events, education partnerships
- BTS Documentary: filmed throughout; released alongside/shortly after the feature
FAQ
Is this a religious film?
No. It’s a human, values-driven historically accurate war film about honor, duty, and choice.
What’s the target tone and rating?
Cinematic, gritty, inspiring; violence handled with purpose (aiming PG-13 intensity).
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, through our 501(c)(3) partner. Receipts are issued by the non-profit. Direct production donations are not tax-deductible.
How will donors be acknowledged?
Perks and credits as listed above; credits are contingent on final cut and industry rules.
Can I invest?
Yes. Email invest@helvetianthelaststand.com for materials.
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Produced by Phoenix Media Group LLC
Press & Partnerships: press@helvetianthelaststand.com
Investment Inquiries: invest@helvetianthelaststand.com
We are honored to have the official endorsement and support of the Papal Swiss Guards in the research and production of Helvetian.
As we approach the 500th anniversary of their legendary stand in 1527, this film stands as a powerful tribute to their courage, discipline, and enduring legacy.
Why We’re Crowdfunding
We want to self-fund as far as possible to protect the vision and message: choice and honor. We’ve also partnered with a non-profit (501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor so that tax-deductible donations are available. Prefer to fuel the production directly? You can donate non-deductibly to the project. Interested in equity participation? Investors can contact us at invest@helvetianthelaststand.com.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
- On-location production across Switzerland & Italy (Zurich, Naters, Lucerne, Geneva, Milan, Genoa, Florence, Rome)
- Choreography & safety for historically grounded battle/action sequences
- Authentic wardrobe & props (Renaissance period, Swiss halberds, armor)
- Cinematography & aerials to capture the Alps and the Via Francigena route
- Original score & sound design to carry the emotional weight of the story
- Post-production & color for a polished, cinematic finish
- Behind-the-scenes documentary crew and edit for a transparent, human look at the process
(Detailed budget available to serious donors/investors upon request.)
Ways to Give
Option 1 — Tax-Deductible Donation (via 501(c)(3) Partner):
Gifts are processed by our non-profit partner; receipts issued by them.
Option 2 — Direct to Production (Non-Deductible):
Fuel gear, sets, costumes, travel, and day-to-day filmmaking.
Option 3 — Invest:
For investment inquiries, email invest@helvetianthelaststand.com.
Donor Tiers & Thank-Yous
(Perks subject to safety, scheduling, and guild/union rules. Travel/lodging not included. For tax-deductible gifts, any fair-market-value perks reduce the deductible amount.)
- $25 – Pathfinder
Production updates + digital thank-you card. - $100 – Squire
Digital poster pack + updates. And Access to the Interactive Route Journal during production. - $500 – Halberdier
Private BTS screening link + your name on our Supporters page. - $1,500 – Guardian
Virtual cast/crew Q&A invite + “Patron” credit. Early Access: “Route Minis”—short dispatch edits from the trail. - $5,000 – Captain
Set-visit invitation (where/when feasible) Your name listed on the Route Journal Supporters Wall at a major waypoint. - $25,000 – Commander
Prop Replica (certificate of authenticity) Invite to private rough-cut screening (limited seats). - $50,000 – The 147 Circle
Invitation to the Movie premier, Prop replica (certificate of authenticity), and Invitation (schedule/permits permitting) to join the documentary as an observer + commemorative route map print signed by the team.
Accountability & Transparency
- Monthly progress updates to donors and investors
- Behind-the-scenes diary: unfiltered looks at wins, setbacks, and solutions
- Clear reporting on how funds are allocated as we move from prep to post
who we are
Erik Bello, a native of Chicago, discovered his passion for history, storytelling, and languages at an early age. While studying in Rome, a city where the ancient and modern live side by side, he earned his BA in philosophy and languages, fully immersing himself in Italian culture and the timeless stories etched into its streets.
To Erik, history is far more than a collection of names and dates, it’s a living record of human resilience, sacrifice, and purpose. Drawn especially to medieval and Renaissance eras, his love for tales of knights, honor, and epic quests was shaped by formative influences like Homer, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis.
But it was the Last Stand of the Swiss Guards that left the deepest mark. Standing on the very stones where 189 soldiers gave their lives to protect the Pope, Erik felt the weight of their sacrifice and the call to tell their story.
Through his work, Erik seeks to awaken the hero in each of us. His mission is to breathe life into the past so that it may guide us forward, reminding us that the most powerful story ever told is the one we all share: our shared humanity.
We'd love to
hear from you
For general inquiries, media, or partnership opportunities, please reach out to:
📩 Info@helvetianthelaststand.com
For investment-related inquiries:
📩 Invest@helvetianthelaststand.com
Are you an artist, storyteller, or creative collaborator interested in working with us? We’re always looking to connect with passionate voices.
📩 Collaborate@helvetianthelaststand.com