On February 21, 2012, an Orthodox church in Moscow was the site of a guerrilla punk performance by Pussy Riot, an all-female group of activist performance artists. Three of the members were arrested and eventually convicted and sentenced to prison for hooliganism. With surprising access, the film chronicles the sensational trial, the groundswell movements in support of the incarcerated, and the complicated intersection of state and church in Russia. Interviews with family members, undetained Pussy Riot members, and detractors all provide context and commentary on the controversial proceedings, while courtroom footage and daily news suspensefully unfolds on camera. Simultaneously heartrending and inspiring, Pussy Riot—A Punk Prayer is a cautionary tale about freedom of speech and public dissent that turns a deep-focus lens on the meaning of performance and persecution half a world away.  TM