SIPE: SEX, LIES, AND THE PRIESTHOOD

A biopic of Richard Sipe. A former Benedictine monk and Catholic priest, trained as a psychotherapist to deal with the mental health problems of the clergy, Sipe eventually left the priesthood and in a series of provocative books helped reveal the truth behind celibacy and its connection to the sexual abuse of minors. He also became an expert witness for the prosecution in hundreds of clergy abuse cases.

Sipe appeared in dozens of documentaries and was the person The Boston Globe reporters called on for advice in SPOTLIGHT – the 2015 Academy Award Winner for Best Film. SIPE: SEX, LIES, AND THE PRIESTHOOD is the first documentary to focus completely on Richard’s own journey.

The film is directed by Joe Cultrera. His 2006 feature documentary HAND OF GOD told the story of Catholic clergy abuse through the lens of his own brother’s experience and the ripple effects it had within his family. The film aired on the PBS series FRONTLINE and was hailed as “a sober and moving family drama” and “a glorious example of speaking truth to power.”