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Abbess Maria leads the only Russian Orthodox women's monastery in Germany. Together with 13 sisters of international origin, she tries to escape the mundane life while coming closer to God. A film about women dressed in black, about life and death and a monastery as an unusual place of destiny and peace. Germany's only Russian Orthodox women's monastery is located in a small town near Munich. Under the lead of Abbess Maria, 13 sisters of international origin live there, following a strict hierarchical order. As servants of God, the nuns increasingly disappear from the normal world, almost as if they had already "died". Symbolically, they always wear black clothes. Nevertheless, the sisters also have to attend to worldly matters, such as everyday work in and around the building, receiving pilgrims and, last but not least, securing the future of their convent. In harmony with the seasons, the film tells in observational images about the hard, physical work and the strictly regulated daily routine of the nuns and also shows a certain humorous atmosphere that prevails in the convent. in a kaleidoscope of fates, encounters and separations. A diversity of people and a place that connects. Soon after starting my studies in Munich, I heard about an Orthodox Women's Convent nearby. I always wanted to visit this place, but due to my intensive studies there was hardly any time for a visit... or was my desire not so great after all? A few years passed before I finally came into contact with the convent through the family of a very ill child: The family sought solace and prayer there and I attended some services with them from time to time. I was baptized Orthodox and I felt a connection to this faith. When I heard the singing in the convent for the first time, I was enchanted by it - and over time also by these women dressed in black. So the idea matured in me that I would like to make a long-term observation in this place, about this strange world that is only 20 minutes away from my house. During the filming of "As in Heaven so on Earth", I was surprised how many events take place in the convent, how many people go there to seek help or to escape the everyday life. The convent remains a place of hope in my heart, a last spark in a hopeless situation. Even against the backdrop of the current war, the convent and the nuns serve as a place of peace and comfort. A place that gives strength and confidence. With my film, I would like to invite viewers to reflect on their own lives, their own souls and values.
Max-Ophüls-Festival Saarbrücken
Nomination in the category Wettbewerb Dokumentarfilm
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