White Elephant is a 2012 Argentinian drama movie directed by Pablo Trapero.

When faith is not enough, we must act.

Inspired by the true story of Argentinian priest and activist Father Mugica, and starring Ricardo Darin (THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES) and Jeremie Renier (THE KID WITH A BIKE, IN BRUGES), WHITE ELEPHANT is a transfixing story of will, violence and survival.

What should have been South America's largest hospital sits half-finished in the shanty towns of Buenos Aires, home to thousands. Amidst rising tensions between residents, striking labourers and warring drug cartels, two Catholic priests, Julian and Nicolas, strive to defend the rights of the community while confronting brutal gangs and a church hierarchy skeptical of their unconventional methods. With faith rocked and ideals questioned, Julian and Nicolas must fight to defend the innocent from the scourge of drugs and violence.

“It’s hard to imagine a more potent symbol of good intentions gone to seed than the decrepit Buenos Aires building that gives White Elephant its title.” The AV Club

“On his broadest canvas yet, Trapero mounts a saga about the role of conscience, which might seem old-fashioned if it weren’t so urgently imagined. An added fillip is Michael Nyman’s stirring score, his best in years.” The Telegraph

“Argentine director Pablo Trapero fashions a gripping, fast-paced story.” The Hollywood Reporter

“White Elephant' throws us into the fray of an urban slum without in any way demonising or romanticising the theatre within which Trapero's mean­dering story unfolds.” Time Out