Mother Vera – Watch the trailer for the documentary about a woman confronting the shadows of her past

After taking the coveted Grierson Documentary Award at its UK debut at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, the stunning feature Mother Vera will open to audiences across the UK on 29th August. A series of Q&As throughout the UK with directors Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson will be announced closer to the release.

Shot in breathtaking black and white, Mother Vera is a visually arresting and deeply meditative portrait of a woman confronting the shadows of her past. Vera has spent 20 years in a convent on the outskirts of Minsk, living among men undergoing addiction rehabilitation. When a conversation with her mother stirs long-buried memories, Vera is compelled to revisit her own past and the tragic events that led her to this secluded life. What unfolds is a quiet, powerful story of resilience, healing, and spiritual transformation.

After two decades in a Belarusian Orthodox monastery, Vera reflects on her unexpected path to nunhood, rooted in a history of addiction. Facing her lingering guilt, she finds herself at a crossroads between her monastic sanctuary and an uncertain future. With a poignant gaze, Vera’s quiet journey of self-examination offers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of faith, recovery, and personal transformation within cloistered walls.

Check out the official site.

With its haunting cinematography and contemplative pace, Mother Vera invites audiences into a world rarely seen on screen — one of silence, struggle, and redemption. Directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, and produced by Laura Shacham for She Makes Productions, Mother Vera is an unforgettable cinematic experience.