From award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold* (The World to Come, The Brutalist) comes the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shaker’s irrepressible leader, who preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers. The Testament of Ann Lee captures the ecstasy and agony of her quest to build a utopia, featuring more than a dozen traditional Shaker hymns reimagined as rapturous movements with choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall (Vox Lux) and original songs & score by Academy Award winner Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist).
*The screening will be preceded by a recorded introduction from director-writer Mona Fastvold and lead actor Amanda Seyfried, produced by Reclaim the Frame.
Reclaim the Frame is a charity that champions marginalised perspectives in cinema, connecting with audiences and communities through special screenings and events across the UK.
Reclaim The Frame events create a space to discuss what’s under the surface of each story. If you want to be an Advocate for the work they do, join the Reclaim The Frame mailing list.
“Amanda Seyfried takes centre stage, embodying the preacher with a beatific ease. Her expressive eyes and melodic voice sell both Lee’s personal conviction and that of her followers – there’s no question why they choose to follow her, for there’s something angelic and earnest about her faith…Capturing the religious zeal and unwavering faith of the Shakers through haunting compositions by Daniel Blumberg, choral arrangements incorporating original Shaker hymns and intricate, expressive choreography crafted by Celia Rowlson-Hall, there’s no question Fastvold’s third feature is ambitious, and the tactile35mm film stock (blown up to70mm) reflects the appreciation the Shakers have for all things tactile and well-crafted.”
Starring:
Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomas McKenzie, Christopher Abbott
Directed By:
Mona Vastfold
Running time:
130 mins