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# New Detroit, 1984: The World of Sister Beretta
- URL: https://fabricatedcrime.com/blog/new-detroit-1984-the-world-of-sister-beretta/
- Published: 2026-11-08T21:05:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-08T21:05:01.000Z
- Description: A nun with a gun and a bad habit for justice. Why we're making a nunsploitation grindhouse film, and what New Detroit, 1984 looks like.
- Author: Crew
- Tags: Behind the Scenes, Process, #Import 2026-11-08 21:03

In New Detroit, 1984, Sister Beretta uncovers the church's unholy deal with the syndicate. She breaks her vows and takes up arms. That's the whole pitch, and it's the reason we can't stop thinking about this film.

## Why nunsploitation?

Nunsploitation is a corner of exploitation cinema that boomed in the 1970s, especially in Italy and Spain, built on convent scandal, forbidden sin, and righteous violence. Ken Russell's *The Devils* (1971) is often cited as a forerunner, and the cheap-and-nasty cinema that followed did the rest.

It's a genre that rewards commitment. The imagery does half the work: habits, rosaries, stained glass, and a very large gun. The other half is tone, and tone is where independent filmmakers can beat bigger budgets. You can't fake sincerity, and the best grindhouse is completely sincere.

## Why 1984?

Partly because we love the look. Neon, smoke, wet streets, and cars with no business being that big. Partly because it was a great year for movies that didn't ask permission. It's also the year Troma released *The Toxic Avenger*, which feels like the right neighbor for a film featuring Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rochon.

## The team

Sister Beretta is written and directed by Bridget Stokes, an Emmy Award winner and one of our three founders. Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rochon are attached to the cast. Fabricated Crime is producing it the way we produce everything: independently, deliberately, and with a lot of help from friends.

## Building it from storyboards first

We're developing Sister Beretta storyboards-first. Before we ask anyone for money, we want the look, the pacing, and the world to be visible on the page. Co-founder Erin Marie talks through New Detroit 1984 and the grindhouse vision in a [podcast conversation on our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@FabricatedCrime?ref=fabricatedcrime.com).

## Ways to get inside the world

- **Back the film.** Our [Indiegogo campaign](https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/fabricated-crime/sister-beretta?ref=fabricatedcrime.com) is live, and you can also pledge directly through PayPal on [the film's page](https://fabricatedcrime.com/lineup/sisterberetta/?ref=fabricatedcrime.com#support). The pledge tiers start with The Offertory.
- **Grab the poster pack.** Three exclusive Sister Beretta grindhouse posters, free when you join the list.
- **Press play on WSIN FM.** The film page has a playlist that sets the mood for New Detroit. Put it on in the background.

Every dollar helps us finish the funding and get closer to a shoot. Thank you for being part of the congregation.