‘Dragons’ sparks controversy for Joffe

British director Roland Joffe is working on a film funded by the conservative Roman Catholic group, Opus Dei, defectors from the group allege.

Unidentified Opus Dei defectors allege Joffe is filming the movie There Be Dragons in Argentina thanks to Opus Dei funds and film appears to be propaganda for the religious organization, The Sunday Times of London reported.

Opus Dei gained international notoriety with the 2003 release of the book The Da Vinci Code as well as the 2006 film version. The book and film portray the organization as a cabal of conspirators, The Times said.

Joffe said last week that Hollywood film producer Heriberto Schoeffer, who reportedly is an Opus Dei member, had helped fund Dragons.

An unidentified Opus Dei spokesman denied Dragons has been funded by the organization.

The Times said Dragons follows the life of Opus Dei founder, Josemaria Escriva, as he founds the organization in 1928 before being forced to flee Spain.