The Education of Jane Cumming is based on a true story and inspired by the book Scotch Verdict by Lillian Faderman. It is a 2026 period drama film directed by Sophie Heldman, co-written by Heldman and Flora Nicholson and stars Nicholson, Clare Dunne, Mia Tharia, Fiona Shaw, and Sadie Shimmin.
The film had its world premiere at the Panorama section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2026.
Premise The story is based on the real life story of Marianne Woods and Jane Pirie who were accused by their pupil Jane Cumming of lesbianism in Scotland in the early 19th Century.
Cast Flora Nicholson as Jane Pirie Clare Dunne as Marianne Woods Mia Tharia as Jane Cumming Fiona Shaw as Lady Cumming Gordon Sadie Shimmin as Ann Woods Rebecca Martin as Alexandra Dunbar Amy Louise Walker as Margot Dunbar Eva McMurray as Little Miss Hunter Frankie Corio as Mary Cunynghame
Production The film is written by Flora Nicholson and Sophie Heldman, with Heldman directing and Nicholson a member of the lead cast. It is based on a true story and inspired by the book Scotch Verdict by Lillian Faderman. The real-life story was also an inspiration for Lillian Hellman's 1934 play The Children's Hour. William Wyler adapted the play twice into a feature film, These Three (1936) and The Children's Hour (1961) starring Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn.
It is a German, Swiss and British co-production produced by Bettina Brokemper of Heimatfilm, Karin Koch of Dschoint Ventschr Filmproduktion and Nadira Murray of Sylph Productions. Alongside Flora Nicholson, Clare Dunne, Mia Tharia and Fiona Shaw are also in the lead cast. Funding also came from the UK Global Screen Fund.
Principal photography took place in Edinburgh, Scotland and surroundings in March and April 2025.
Release The Education of Jane Cumming had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2026 and is currently on festival tour. Its theatrical release in multiple territories is planned for early 2027.https://www.screendaily.com/news/the-education-of-jane-cumming-sells-to-key-territories-including-uk-ireland-france/5218445.article
Accolades + Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Sunny Bunny LGBTQIA+ Film Festival24 April 2026Best Feature FilmSophie Heldmanhttps://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/a4cb364a_sunny_bunny_festival/Filmkunstfest MV09 May 2026Young Talent Award for Best Acting PerformanceMia Thariahttps://www.filmland-mv.de/aktuelles-1/35-filmkunstfest-mv-die-preistraegerinnen Teddy Award 20 February 2026 Best Feature Film Sophie Heldman Fünf Seen Filmfestival13 September 2026Audience AwardSophie HeldmanZurich Film Prize17 September 2026Best Feature FilmSophie Heldman
References
External links
The Education of Jane Cumming Berlinale The Education of Jane Cumming Melbourne International Film Festival