50TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING! 

Our descent into forbidden faith continues with School of the Holy Beast (1974), also known as The Transgressor, a Japanese exploitation classic that dives into the hidden sins and unspoken horrors lurking within convent walls. 

Directed by Norifumi Suzuki, School of the Holy Beast follows Maya, a young novice driven by a quest to uncover the dark truths surrounding her mother’s mysterious death. Instead of salvation, Maya finds herself in a world of harsh penance, sadistic punishments, and twisted rituals that expose the hypocrisy festering within those who wield religious authority. The film’s blend of eroticism and sharp critique of institutional power creates a transgressive narrative that resonates with feminist and queer readings, as it lays bare the suppression and exploitation of women within cloistered confines. 

With stylized violence and striking visuals that evoke a sense of dread and forbidden allure, School of the Holy Beast pushes Catholic iconography to its limits, revealing a world where purity and perversion coexist in unsettling harmony. This bold film leaves an indelible mark, making it a must-see for fans of cult cinema and unflinching explorations of faith’s darkest corners.