Immodest
A PROOF- OF- CONCEPT CREATED USING STRAIGHT 8
”The nuns of Northern Italy in the 17th century were, by and large, a courageous bunch of misfits. Not each and every one of them, to be sure - but there was always the chance, given prodding, that something rather Immodest would happen if the doors of the convent were opened.” - Peter Tracy
Charly writes and produces her second Straight 8 film, Immodest. This micro short proof-of-concept film was inspired by real 17th century diary entries from nuns, and has a focus on ensemble work. The team were lucky enough to film in both the Sepulchre Chapel in Paddington and St John the Baptist Holland Road; both beautiful historic London Churches. The Straight 8 version of the film was created as a proof of concept, with the aim of developing the story into a larger project.
The Story
Immodest is inspired by real diary entries from nuns from the 17th Century, and is drawn heavily from Immodest Acts, the biography of one of the most famous queer nuns; Benedetta Carlini. Benedetta (Charly Faye) was considered a Saint in her lifetime, but her status was ripped away from her when an investigation uncovered her romantic relationship with her fellow nun, Bartolomea (Emma Brunet-Campain). Her punishment was isolation from the fellow Convent. She lived into her 70s, but never spoke another word to a human being for the rest of her life.
Charly and Robyn created the Straight 8 version of this film both as a form of creative experimentation, and also as a proof of concept for a larger project. They hope to continue developing this story with a heavy focus on community and the power of female friendships.
Watch Here
Immodest made it's international premiere at Festival De Cannes, and it's UK Premiere at the BFI IMAX.
Festival De Cannes/Straight 8 Top 8 - Cinema Olympia, 19th May 2025
Straight 8 Top 25 - BFI IMAX, 24th May 2025
Cannes Lions Festival - Cinema Les Arcades, 20th June 2025
Straight 8 Shootout - Prince Charles Cinema, 26th June 2025
Encounters Film Festival - Watershed, Bristol, 26th September 2025
Flying Duo Premiere - The Ritzy Picturehouse, 15th October 2025
Regard Indépendant - Rencontres Nice, 11th November 2025
Screenings
CAST
Sister Benedetta - Charly Faye Sister
Bartolomea - Emma Brunet-Campain
Father Confessor - Magnus Rook
Sister Brigida - Kate Andrews
Sister Vittoria - Nicola Blair
Sister Eleanora - Roberta Carraro
Sister Giovanna - Valentina Chavez
Sister Rosa - Claire Fairman
Sister Angiola - Lydia Fitzwilliams
Sister Maria - Lizzie Lister
Sister Celeste - Mimi Maayan
Sister Diadata - Sophie Marsden
Sister Maria Vittoria - Laura Plumley
Sister Camilla - Sofia Sa
Sister Marianna - Charlotte Voskar
Sister Virginia - Jamie Wigley
Father Francesco - Adam Pardy
Father Nerio - Carmine Tiberini
CREW
Director/DoP - Robyn Faye
Producer - Charly Faye
Composer - Matt Ayers
Intimacy Coordinator - Pia Rickman
Movement Director - Ken
1st AD Day 1 - Harry Ayers
1st AD Day 2&3 - Laura Plumley
2nd AD & BTS Photographer - AJ Prior
3rd AD & Assistant Camera - Sarah Dagnall
Italian Translator - Carmine Tiberini
Filmed in the beautiful St John’s the Baptist Church and St Mary Magdalene‘s Chapel of Holy Sepulchre.
Creatives
Immodest was also recently featured by Short Stuff alongside a brief interview with Robyn and Charly, as part of a feature on the Straight 8 winners. To read the article click the button to the left.
