Directed by Lance Edmands, 2025, USA, Not Rated, 80 minutes

This lyrical historical drama explores the life and spiritual legacy of Ann Lee, the charismatic founder of the Shaker movement. Rather than a conventional biography, the film adopts a contemplative, impressionistic structure, capturing the radical vision, communal devotion, and social tensions surrounding Lee’s leadership. With a focus on atmosphere and performance, the film evokes the emotional intensity of religious conviction and dissent in early American life. Festival audiences responded strongly to the film’s visual style and meditative tone. Critics called it “a haunting and beautifully realized portrait of belief,” praising its refusal of easy historical dramatization. The film received recognition on the independent festival circuit for direction and cinematography.

Munson Film Series is sponsored by M&T Bank and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.