Austria 2022Language:GermanSubtitles:EnglishDirector:Ruth MaderWriter:Ruth Mader, Martin LeidenfrostCinematographer:Christine A. MaierEditor:Niki MossböckMusic:Manfred PlesslWith:Maria Dragus, Leona Lindinger, Anna Elisabeth BergerProducer:Dieter Pochlatko, Jakob Pochlatko, Ruth MaderProduction Company:Epo-Film Produktionsges.M.B.H., Ruth Mader FilmproduktionDistributor:Playtime106 min, Colour

SERVIAM shows life in a Catholic boarding school for girls in the 1980s. Three girls are at the centre: Martha is deeply religious, Armo rather indifferent and Sabine doubts her faith. Between them stands Sister Agnes, who fervently tries to bring the children to faith. Ruth Mader said about the film: "What was also important to me is that secularisation is the theme, that is, radical faith in a world that is becoming more and more secular and where this Catholicism is mostly used as a decoration." The special architecture of the boarding school, the mystical 5th floor and the haunting music enhance the subtle horror, which is only interrupted by short animations.

Photo: ©Christine A. Maier

Director's Biography:Ruth Mader was born in Vienna in 1974, studied directing there at the University of Music and Performing Arts and then worked as an assistant director and in casting. Today she works as a film director, film producer and author.

Director's Filmography:
2017 LIFE GUIDANCE
2012 WHAT IS LOVE (DOC)
2003 STRUGGLE
2001 NULL DEFIZIT (SHORT)