2013 | Arte | Bunbury Films, Florianfilm | feature documentary

Writer and Director

My brother Gregor is about to make the biggest decision of his life. He has joined the Catholic order of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) to become a missionary priest.

If he doesn't have a change of heart, he will take his final vows and commit to a life of chastity, poverty, obedience and service to the Catholic Church. Stephanie is highly critical of his choice. My Brother's Vows is Stephanie's attempt to understand her brother's extreme decision and explore his world behind the thick monastery walls.

The film is a candid and sensitive portrait of Gregor's journey to priesthood - his trials, tribulations and triumphs during this intense time. As Gregor opens up his life and shares his innermost feelings, he grapples with the idea of a life without sex, without a family and in total service to god. The film also shines a light on the bigger questions - of having purpose in life, of the power and illusiveness of faith and of the courage required to pursue a higher calling in today's financially-driven world.

As Gregor and Stephanie struggle to understand each other, the audience will meet a group of monks that defy all stereotypes. The film offers a brutally honest and heartbreakingly touching look at a world that is usually carefully shielded from public view. My Brother’s Vows is a beautiful exploration of modern monastic life that calls into question everything you thought you knew about the Catholic Church and of one young man's search for his place in the world.

Festivals / Awards:

Dok Leipzig International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film 2013

Dok Fest Munich 2014

Berlin Independent Film Festival 2014

2014 Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt International

Filmtage Friedrichshafen 2014

Kirchliches Filmfestival Recklinghausen 2014

Religion Today Film Festival 2014 - Best Documentary