Port Washington, NY – Worlds collide, tempers flare and dreams come true when Mr. Vig, an elderly Danish eccentric, and Sister Amvrosija, a strong-willed Russian nun, join forces to transform a run-down castle into a Russian Orthodox monastery in the acclaimed documentary, THE MONASTERY: MR. VIG AND THE NUN. The emotionally powerful film, a 2008 Independent Spirit Award nominee for Best Documentary and Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee, speaks to all viewers with its story of two dissimilar individuals who must overcome their differences to complete a mission greater than themselves. Called “priceless” by The Village Voice, the 2007 KOCH Lorber Films U.S. theatrical release makes its DVD debut on February 12 for $26.98 SRP.
Port Washington, NY – Worlds collide, tempers flare and dreams come true when Mr. Vig, an elderly Danish eccentric, and Sister Amvrosija, a strong-willed Russian nun, join forces to transform a run-down castle into a Russian Orthodox monastery in the acclaimed documentary, THE MONASTERY: MR. VIG AND THE NUN. The emotionally powerful film, a 2008 Independent Spirit Award nominee for Best Documentary and Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee, speaks to all viewers with its story of two dissimilar individuals who must overcome their differences to complete a mission greater than themselves. Called “priceless” by The Village Voice, the 2007 KOCH Lorber Films U.S. theatrical release makes its DVD debut on February 12 for $26.98 SRP.
In the award-winner from director/cinematographer Pernille Rose Grønkjær, Jorgen Lauersen Vig, a lifelong bachelor, is a retired priest and librarian living in Hesberj, an ancient castle in the Danish countryside. He has also never known or desired love. Determined to leave behind a legacy, he attempts to donate his beautiful but neglected castle – which he has owned for 50 years – to the Moscow Patriarchate in order to refurbish and convert it into a Russian Orthodox monastery. The Patriarchate sends a small group of nuns, led by young but headstrong Sister Amvrosija, to oversee the castle’s conversion. The stern Mr. Vig meets his match with the determined and obstinate nun, who immediately takes charge, battling the unflinching recluse over leaky roofs, and stirring him up like never before. Will they be able to compromise and come together to make Mr. Vig’s dream a reality?
Nominated for the Documentary Prix Arte at the European Film Awards, THE MONASTERY: MR. VIG AND THE NUN captured the Joris Ivens Award at the Amsterdam International Documentary Festival and the Audience Award at the Moscow International Film Festival. During its 2007 U.S. theatrical run, the film was hailed by Andrew O’Hehir of Salon.com as “an oddly graceful combination of fairy tale and romantic comedy,” and the San Francisco Chronicle called it “almost perfect.” TV Guide.com called it “a great accomplishment… Grønkjær craft[s] a fascinating picture.”
THE MONASTERY: MR. VIG AND THE NUN is in English and Danish with English subtitles. DVD bonus features include deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer.
About KOCH Lorber Films
Dedicated to providing the best in award-winning, classic and contemporary international cinema, documentary features and cultural programming, KOCH Lorber Films is a market leader for high quality releases to both wide and specialized audiences through theatrical, television and home video distribution. KOCH Lorber Films DVD releases include: the classic films La Dolce Vita, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Tous les Matins du Monde and Un Coeur en Hiver and recent theatrical and festival hits such as Intimacy, The Five Obstructions, Save the Green Planet, The Syrian Bride and Changing Times. Visit KOCH Lorber Films online at www.kochlorberfilms.com.
