Anchoress (Region B, DVD)

With a cast that includes Christopher Eccleston, Pete Postlethwaite and Toyah Wilcox, Chris Newby’s (Madagascar Skin) poetic debut feature, Anchoress, is a visually arresting story of religious conflict set in the 14th century, in which a young girl’s transcendental vision threatens to upset the foundations of her community.

Inspired by the records of the real Anchoress of Shere, Christine Carpenter (who was voluntarily walled up in a tiny cell adjoining a church), Anchoress vividly evokes life in a remote Medieval village whilst also addressing the gulf between patriarchal power and female ritual and rebellion.

Featuring stunning cinematography by Michael Baudour, this DVD was mastered from original negatives, and also includes three short films by Chris Newby.

The Old Man of the Sea (1989, 21 mins)

Flicker (2001, 4 mins)

Stromboli (1998, 11 mins)

Fully illustrated booklet with film essays, biography and historical documents