Building What Matters — Together
The Next Step Network partners with mission-aligned initiatives that reflect our shared values of integrity, courage, and service to the good.
Our members bring deep formation, leadership, and creativity to projects that elevate culture, strengthen the Church, and inspire the world.
Each collaboration channels the gifts of our members into something that lasts.
Below is one of our flagship projects — a story of faith, sacrifice, and courage.
Helvetian: The Last Stand
An Epic Story of Honor, Oath, and Courage
A Feature Film by Erik Bello
Real men.
Real oaths.
Real sacrifice.
Helvetian: The Last Stand tells the true origin story of the Papal Swiss Guards — from their arrival in Rome to their heroic final stand on May 6, 1527.
This feature film and companion documentary celebrate the courage of 147 Guards who stood their ground to protect Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome — a story of ordinary men who chose extraordinary fidelity.
“It’s a film about honor, oaths, and the human capacity to choose courage — the kind we usually reserve for superheroes.”
Why We’re Partnering
The Next Step Network exists to unleash the leadership potential of those formed within the Church — and Helvetian embodies that mission.
This collaboration honors the same virtues that shape our members: fidelity, integrity, and sacrificial love.
By joining forces with filmmaker Erik Bello, we’re helping bring to life a story that not only entertains but uplifts — inspiring audiences to rediscover the heroism within their own hearts.
How Next Steppers Can Get Involved
This partnership is about participation, not just production. You can be part of Helvetian by:
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Donating — directly support film and documentary production
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Connecting — introduce creative or financial collaborators
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Promoting — share the story in your own circles and communities
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Praying — for the filmmakers and all who bring this story to life
Together, we’re helping reclaim the art of storytelling for truth, beauty, and goodness.
Where Your Gift Goes
Your generosity fuels the heart of this project:
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On-location filming across Switzerland & Italy (Zurich, Lucerne, Florence, Rome)
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Authentic Renaissance props, costumes, and choreography
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Stunning cinematography and aerial shots across the Alps and the Via Francigena
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Original score, sound design, and post-production polish
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A behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the making of the film with honesty and humanity
Ways to Give
Choose the option that works best for you:
Option 1 — Tax-Deductible Donation
Give through our 501(c)(3) partner for a tax-deductible contribution.
Option 2 — Direct to Production
Fuel the filmmaking process directly (non-deductible).
Option 3 — Invest
Contact the production team to explore investment opportunities.
About the Filmmaker
Erik Bello is a Chicago native whose passion for history, storytelling, and faith was shaped while studying in Rome. He is also a member of The Next Step Network.
Moved by the story of the Swiss Guards’ sacrifice, Erik founded Phoenix Media Group LLC to bring Helvetian to life — a project that fuses his love for truth, beauty, and heroism.
“History isn’t just what happened — it’s the story of who we can become.”
Info: info@helvetianthelaststand.com
Invest: invest@helvetianthelaststand.com
Collaborate: collaborate@helvetianthelaststand.com
Join the Mission
As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Swiss Guards’ Last Stand, Helvetian stands as a timeless reminder that virtue and courage still matter.
Together, we can bring this story — and its message of faith and honor — to the world.