The New Sisters

From quiet chapels to chaotic city streets, The New Sisters brings you into the lives of young Catholic nuns living in East Harlem and the Bronx. 

Hailey, Larissa, and Kaitlyn are new to the convent. Each one is trying to discern if this life is right for her. Sister Maria Teresa, Sister Josephine, and Sister Mary Pietà have already chosen their path. Now, they reflect on when they first heard the call, what they hoped for, and what they found after swearing eternal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Filmmakers

AlexandraOstasiewicz_Headshot.jpg
AndreMartins_Headshot.jpg

Alexandra Ostasiewicz is a documentary filmmaker and photographer based in New York City. She is currently earning her masters in documentary film from the Columbia Journalism School. She has several years experience producing videos and photos for nonprofit organizations, work that has taken her around the world filming and leading productions in over 20 countries and 12 U.S. states. Growing up, she went to a Catholic school -- run by two nuns -- from kindergarten through middle school.

ao2579@columbia.edu

André Martins is a Brazilian-American documentary filmmaker and graduate student at the Columbia Journalism school. Heworked for many years producing branded content and educational videos for various nonprofit organizations in Boston and New York. As a child, he and his family would often travel from their hometown of São Paulo to spend long weekends with his favorite aunt, a catholic nun in Rio de Janeiro.

afm2158@columbia.edu