Fiona Shaw Stars in ‘The Education of Jane Cumming’ About Scottish Scandal Over Alleged Lesbian Affair (Exclusive Berlin Clip)

February 11, 2026 - 05:06

A new period drama, premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, delves into a hidden chapter of Scottish history. ‘The Education of Jane Cumming,’ starring celebrated actress Fiona Shaw, examines a notorious early 19th-century scandal involving allegations of a lesbian affair at a prestigious Edinburgh boarding school.

The film, directed by Sophie Heldman, reconstructs the events that led to a dramatic libel case in 1811. The story centers on Jane Cumming, a pupil who accused her schoolmistresses of an improper relationship, triggering a sensational trial that exposed deep societal prejudices and class divisions. The case remains a poignant study of truth, power, and the severe consequences faced by women who defied strict social norms.

Alongside Shaw, the cast features Flora Nicholson, Clare Dunn, and Mia Tharia. The project aims to shed light on this complex historical moment, exploring themes of secrecy, betrayal, and the silencing of women's voices within a rigid patriarchal society. The film's premiere at the prestigious Berlinale marks it as a significant cinematic exploration of a long-overlooked narrative.