AFI European Union Film Showcase Closing Night: THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE in 70mm 🎞️

AFI European Union Film Showcase Closing Night: THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE in 70mm

With her wildly ambitious third feature — a colonial-era musical about the rise of the Shaker movement spanning 30 years — filmmaker Mona Fastvold (co-writer of THE BRUTALIST) crafts a lyrical and visually arresting portrait of one of early America’s most enigmatic spiritual figures and one of the few female religious leaders of the 18th century. Amanda Seyfried delivers a career-defining performance as Ann Lee, the visionary leader of the Shakers — a movement that proposed a radically unique interpretation of Scripture which emphasized pacifism and collectivism in pursuit of a more equitable and utopian society. Making her way from the cramped cotton mills of Manchester to the open plains of pre-revolutionary New England, Ann Lee ushers in a new vision of Christianity that draws faithful followers from across the region. Rich in historical detail and featuring incredible musical set pieces drawn from early Shaker spirituals — including one shot on board a fully operational 18th century ship — THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE explores themes of exile, devotion and transcendence through bold visual and narrative lenses. Fastvold’s direction balances the spiritual with the visceral, giving Lee’s inner world a vivid cinematic life. A haunting original score by Oscar® winner Daniel Blumberg pulsates through the film, echoing the ecstatic rhythms of the Shaker faith and underscoring its blend of collective belief and personal sacrifice. Shot on 70mm in Hungary, with lush BARRY LYNDON-esque cinematography by William Rexer and a formidable supporting cast that includes Thomasin McKenzie, Christopher Abbott, Lewis Pullman and Tim Blake Nelson, THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE reimagines a chapter of American religious history with urgency and grace. –Abbie Algar

Official Selection, 2025 Venice, Toronto and AFI FEST film festivals. 2025, UK, color, 135 min. RATED R

You may also like: ORPHAN in 35mm (playing Dec. 19).

The AFI European Union Film Showcase runs from December 3–21. For the full schedule visit: afi.com/silver/eushowcase.

You may also like the following events from AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center:

• This Friday, 12th December, 06:30 pm, AFI European Union Film Showcase: BETTER GO MAD IN THE WILD + Q&A with filmmaker Miro Remo in Silver Spring

Also check out other Entertainment events in Silver Spring, Festivals in Silver Spring, Arts events in Silver Spring.