Apostasy (2017)

A faithful Jehovah's Witness is forced to shun her own sister because of a religious transgression. As the separation draws out, she starts to question the meaning of God's love.

Director:

Daniel Kokotajlo

Writer:

Daniel Kokotajlo (as Dan Kokotajlo)

Stars:

Siobhan Finneran, Robert Emms, Bronwyn James

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 5 wins & 15 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Siobhan Finneran	...	Ivanna
Robert Emms	...	Steven
Bronwyn James	...	Chloe
Sacha Parkinson	...	Luisa
Steve Evets	...	Brother Terry
Molly Wright	...	Alex
Claire Hackett	...	Deborah
James Foster	...	Elder Alan
Aqib Khan	...	Umar
Jessica Baglow	...	Michelle
James Quinn	...	Elder Brian
James Puddephatt	...	Consultant
Clare McGlinn	...	Aunty Linda
Peter Slater	...	Documentary film maker
Jacqueline Pilton	...	Sister Murphy

Storyline

A faithful Jehovah's Witness is forced to shun her own sister because of a religious transgression. As the separation draws out, she starts to question the meaning of God's love.

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Plot Keywords:

one word title | reference to jehovah | teenage daughter | belief in god | jehovah's witness | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

Urdu English

Release Date:

27 July 2018 (UK)

Also Known As:

Apostasia

Filming Locations:

Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Frank & Lively, Oldgarth Media, Zelig Sound

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Aspect Ratio:

1.50 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As the girls discuss in the car that the cross is a pagan symbol. Unlike other Christian organisations, JWs do not accept the cross, but believe Jesus was put on a stake. They also refuse to use the word "church" for similar reasons, hence "kingdom hall" on their buildings.

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Quotes

Luisa: Do you know how it feels, to think Jehovah the Almighty is punishing you, directly, all the time?
[pause]
Luisa: Why - when I'm sorry?

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Connections

Referenced in Granada Reports: 20 July 2018: Evening Bulletin (2018)

User Reviews

All too real

Apostasy. Fictional yet all too real film about the jehovah's witnesses, as based on the memories of the writer / director who had himself been disfellowshipped from the religion. Brought back memories of how close my siblings and I had been brought up as witnesses like my mum's sisters and offspring. Fortunately dad insisted we were brought up Catholic........ and mum didn't fall under the Witnesses' spell, unlike my aunties (who were in the religion for many years before seeing the hypocrisy of it all for themselves). Also brought back memories of how people can be brainwashed by the 'elders' into banishing their family in the name of the 'truth'. A superbly acted and poignant 7 out of ten.