Lorena Luciano and Filippo Piscopo’s #NunsToo Selected for Sundance Edit Intensive
The Sundance Institute's Documentary Film Program has long championed the art of editing in nonfiction storytelling. Recognizing the pivotal role of the editor, the Institute provides extensive support through labs, fellowships, and partnerships to nurture the next generation of editors. As stated by Walter Murch, “The whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room,” highlighting the importance of this often "invisible" craft.
For over two decades, the Sundance Documentary Film Program has fostered a creative space where experimentation and failure are seen as essential components of the editing process. This summer, from July 15 to 19, the Sundance Institute's Documentary Edit Intensive will be hosted at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York, providing crucial support to nonfiction projects at a critical stage of post-production.
The project selected for the 2024 Documentary Edit Intensive is "#NunsToo," directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Lorena Luciano and produced by Filippo Piscopo. "#NunsToo" delves into the harrowing experiences of nuns who have suffered abuse by male clergy within the Catholic Church. The documentary portrays a group of women who break their silence, challenging the institution that once suppressed them, and igniting a movement that questions the very foundations of faith and power.
This year's Intensive features advisors Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher, known for "The Gospel Of Eureka" and "October Country," alongside Emmy-nominated documentary editor Erin Casper, recognized for her work on "Fire of Love" and "American Promise." Their combined expertise will offer invaluable guidance to the participating filmmakers.
Kristin Feeley, Documentary Film Program Interim Director, emphasized the courage and commitment of the "#NunsToo" team. Luciano and Piscopo's dedication to capturing these powerful stories exemplifies the resilience and strength of the women they document. Even for seasoned filmmakers like Luciano and Piscopo, the collaborative environment of the Intensive fosters further growth and creative exchange.
Following the Intensive, Sundance Institute will continue to support Luciano and Piscopo with ongoing creative and strategic assistance, ensuring the voices within "#NunsToo" are amplified and the stories told reach a global audience.
2024 Documentary Edit Intensive Fellows:
Lorena Luciano (Director-Editor): A fellow of the Sundance Film Institute, IDA Enterprise, and the MacArthur Foundation, Luciano is renowned for her impactful films that resonate with global audiences. Her work has garnered awards for Best Directing and Best Documentary. Raised in Italy, she now resides in New York City with her husband and filmmaking partner, Filippo Piscopo, and their two sons.
Filippo Piscopo (Producer-Cinematographer): An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and 2024 Academy Award-nominated cinematographer for "The ABC’s of Book Banning," Piscopo blends his passion for producing with compelling cinematography. His work has been featured at prestigious venues including the Venice Film Festival and IDFA’s Central Pitch. Together with Luciano, Piscopo's documentaries have achieved global distribution.
The Sundance Institute continues to affirm its commitment to nonfiction storytelling, offering a platform for documentary filmmakers to refine their craft and bring powerful narratives to life.