"Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is the oldest of the Carthusian monasteries, founded more than 900 years ago. The Carthusians are a silent contemplative order, considered to be the most ascetic monastic order in the Catholic Church. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to seek permission from the Carthusian monks to make a documentary about them. Sixteen years later they granted him permission, but on very strict terms: without narration and sans crew or artificial lighting, Gröning lived in the monks' quarters for six months filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and once-a-week recreational hikes."
