Actress Amanda Seyfried shares her experiences on portraying Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, saying, "I've never been unleashed like this before."
In the world of cinema, a unique film has made its grand debut at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Titled "The Testament of Ann Lee," the movie tells the story of the founder of the radical religious sect, the Shakers.
Amanda Seyfried, known for her versatile acting skills, steps into the shoes of Ann Lee, the charismatic leader whose life and beliefs formed the basis of the Shakers. The film is not a traditional musical nor a straightforward biopic, but a creative exploration of Lee's life and the Shakers' unique beliefs.
The Shakers, an offshoot of Quakerism that formed in Manchester, England, in 1747, were known for their practices that included trembling, dancing, and speaking in tongues. They espoused gender and social equality while believing their leader Ann Lee to be the female incarnation of Christ. The Shakers' beliefs are beautifully portrayed in the film, with more than a dozen original Shaker hymns transformed into ecstatic "movements" with choreography.
Celia Rowlson-Hall, renowned for her work in choreography, was responsible for bringing these hymns to life. The film's director, Mona Fastvold, who is also the writer of the film, expertly guides Seyfried through the challenging role.
Fastvold's direction was instrumental in creating a supportive and protective filming environment that allowed Seyfried to face challenges as an artist. The actress felt uninhibited during the filming, a testament to Fastvold's supportive guidance and the lack of constraints.
Andrew Morrison, the producer of "The Testament of Ann Lee," was praised for getting the movie made for $10 million. The film was financed by a group of producers including Annapurna Pictures, Mid March Media, FirstGen, Mizzel Media, Yintai Entertainment LLC, Kaplan Morrison, and Intake Films.
At a press conference panel for "The Testament of Ann Lee," Mona Fastvold, Amanda Seyfried, Andrew Corbet, Andrew Morrison, and Celia Rowlson-Hall discussed the making of the film. The Venice Film Festival, where the film had its world premiere inside Sala Grande, runs from August 27 to September 6.
Andrew Corbet, who handled second unit directing on the film, and his romantic and professional partner, insisted on the final cut for their projects, ensuring a cohesive and well-crafted film.
In her festival director's statement, Fastvold expressed her admiration for Ann Lee's pursuit of justice, transcendence, and communal grace, despite her skepticism towards Lee's prophecies. Fastvold's film is offered as a tribute to Ann Lee's dream and the silence that now surrounds it.
"The Testament of Ann Lee" is a testament to the power of art and creativity in exploring complex historical figures and their impact on society. It's a film that is sure to spark conversations and inspire thought.
