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THE 2023 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
21 October - 17 November
FoSS and ESRC logos

Transformations: what would you give to become yourself?

What’s on offer?

A screening of a 20-minute short film about women becoming nuns in Indonesia, highlighting the family connections they keep—and cut—along the way.   

Followed by Q&A with the filmmakers: Meghan Rose Donnelly (University of Manchester, Department of Social Anthropology) and James Rattee (Bloomberg Quicktake).   

Materials will be provided for audience members to draw and display their own journey, tracking the people in their lives who informed them and their own personal ties that bind.    

What’s it about?

Kinship or convent? When a woman becomes a nun in eastern Indonesia, she leaves her family behind and becomes part of a new sisterhood. And yet, this does not mean that the ties are fully severed. Instead, nuns experience their lives as given in 'answer' to those who raised them. This film follows one woman as she undergoes a powerful rite-of-passage and returns home to her village, where her family waits to celebrate her. An exploration of love and distance, her story speaks to the ties that bind – even when we break them. 

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Meghan Rose Donnelly 

Dr James Rattee 

Open to

Everyone

Of particular interest to

This event will resonate with people living far from home – or missing family members who have chosen lives away.   

The film highlights strong female social bonds, so it will appeal to people interested in women’s lives and leadership.  

It may also be of particular interest to members of the Catholic community, or those interested in spirituality. 

Event Booking details

Booking is available via Eventbrite.

Walk-ins will also be welcome.