Mother Vera

1/18/2026

Olga is a young Belorussian woman who entered holy orders whilst her husband Oleg was in prison. Her plan was to return to a society that she had hitherto embraced, but a combination of circumstances conspire to make that plan redundant. Set against the monochrome photography of the rural and snowy farm which provides for their monastery, we see how she now strives to fit in. We are also introduced to some from her broader, fairly orthodox Christian, community and witness some of the conflicting attitudes amongst a population barely at peace with itself, yet still turning up religiously to hear the tolerant doctrines of the priest. Gradually, we come to know her over ninety minutes and watch her come to terms with, perhaps even appreciate, the frugally subsistent existence of her new life.