The Calling (2019)

They left ordinary life, family, work and entered to a monastery.

The Calling (2019) poster

In its portraits of three monks, Erik Praus’s documentary captures the inimitable spiritual ambiance and mysticism of Pochayiv Lavra, an Eastern Orthodox monastery on a hill above the town of Pochayiv in western Ukraine’s Ternopil Oblast. Fathers Gabriel, Vicilentius and Nazarij have left their past traumas behind, finding peace, balance and their lives’ meaning at the monastery. Their stories are allegories of spiritualization and purification from human passions against the backdrop of the turbulent Ukrainian reality. Motivated by material need and spiritual desperation, the faithful flock to this place of pilgrimage in search of new strength and forgiveness. The film respectfully observes the monks’ everyday lives, while also noticing the opulent splendour of their surroundings. The road to faith is not a privilege of the chosen few; it is open to all who hear its “calling”.

Director: Erik Praus
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 70 min
Release Date:
Music: David Kollar
Cinematography: Peter Kováč
Editing: Peter Harum
Production: Filmpark Production
Country: Slovakia
Language: Pусский, Український
Original Language: uk

Keywords

orthodox

More Films by Director: Erik Praus
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Calling about?
In its portraits of three monks, Erik Praus’s documentary captures the inimitable spiritual ambiance and mysticism of Pochayiv Lavra, an Eastern Orthodox monastery on a hill above the town of Pochayiv in western Ukraine’s Ternopil Oblast. Fathers Gabriel, Vicilentius and Nazarij have left their past traumas behind, finding peace, balance and their lives’ meaning at the monastery. Their stories are allegories of spiritualization and purification from human passions against the backdrop of the turbulent Ukrainian reality. Motivated by material need and spiritual desperation, the faithful flock to this place of pilgrimage in search of new strength and forgiveness. The film respectfully observes the monks’ everyday lives, while also noticing the opulent splendour of their surroundings. The road to faith is not a privilege of the chosen few; it is open to all who hear its “calling”.
Who directed The Calling?
The Calling was directed by Erik Praus.
How long is The Calling?
The Calling has a runtime of 1h 10m (70 minutes).
What genre is The Calling?
The Calling is a Documentary film.
Where was The Calling produced?
The Calling was produced in Slovakia.