The Testament of Ann Lee is a 2025 historical musical drama directed by Mona Fastvold and written by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold. The film stars Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Matthew Beard, and Christopher Abbott.
This movie tells the story of Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, who was seen by her followers as the “female Christ.” The film uses music, dance, and emotional storytelling to show her journey, her leadership, and the early Shaker community.
The movie follows Ann Lee’s life in 18th-century England and America. It shows her visions, her struggles, and how she built a new religious community. The film mixes history and music to explore faith, grief, equality, and hope.
The film will be released on February 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom by Searchlight Pictures.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was The Testament of Ann Lee Filmed?
| Film Name | The Testament of Ann Lee |
|---|---|
| Genres | Historical, Drama, Musical |
| Filming Locations | Budapest (Hungary), Gothenburg (Sweden) |
| Filming Dates | 2024 – wrapped December 2024 |
| Cinematography by | William Rexer |
| Release Date | February 20, 2026 |
Filming for The Testament of Ann Lee took place in 2024 and wrapped in December 2024. The production team filmed in Budapest, Hungary, and Gothenburg, Sweden, including ship scenes filmed on the historic East Indiaman Götheborg. These European locations were chosen to recreate the look of 18th-century England and early America.
📍Budapest, Hungary

Many important scenes were filmed in Budapest, which served as the main production base. The city’s old streets, historic buildings, and grand architecture were used to recreate 18th-century England. Interior scenes, town settings, and community sequences were filmed here. The filmmakers chose Budapest because it offers authentic old-world charm and excellent production support. This location helped bring Ann Lee’s early life and the Shaker community’s world to life.
📍Gothenburg, Sweden (Eriksberg)

Parts of the movie were filmed in Eriksberg, Gothenburg. This area features open docks, old industrial views, and calm waters that matched the film’s historical setting. Some arrival and travel scenes were captured here. The location added a realistic seaside feel to the film, helping show Ann Lee’s journey to the New World.
📍East Indiaman Götheborg (Sweden)


The film used the East Indiaman Götheborg, a real full-size replica of an 18th-century ship. Several shipboard scenes—showing travel across the Atlantic—were shot here. The wooden decks, tall masts, and original design gave the movie a true period look. The ship played an important role in showing the dangerous and emotional journey Ann Lee and her followers took from England to America.
Behind the Scenes of The Testament of Ann Lee
To make your search more fun, here is a behind-the-scenes moment shared from the set:-
Fans and cast members have also shared other small glimpses from the filming days. More BTS images and videos will be added as the movie gets closer to its release.
Stay tuned — we will update this page with more behind-the-scenes details soon!
Is there any trailer available for The Testament of Ann Lee?
Yes! The official teaser trailer for The Testament of Ann Lee was released on the Searchlight Pictures YouTube channel. Watch the Trailer Here:–
The Testament of Ann Lee is set to be released on February 20, 2026, by Searchlight Pictures.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Testament of Ann Lee filmed?
A1: The movie was filmed in Budapest (Hungary) and Gothenburg (Sweden), including the historic ship Götheborg.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at the East Indiaman Götheborg?
A2: All major ship and ocean-journey scenes were filmed on this real 18th-century replica ship, chosen for its authentic wooden design.
Q3: When did the filming for The Testament of Ann Lee begin?
A3: Filming took place throughout 2024 and wrapped in December 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of The Testament of Ann Lee?
A4: Yes! You can visit Budapest, Eriksberg (Gothenburg), and even tour the Götheborg ship.
This guide covers all major filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of The Testament of Ann Lee. From the old streets of Budapest to the historic Götheborg ship, every location brings the story of Ann Lee and the Shaker movement to life.
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