Faith & Film Series: "The Lives of Others"

Winner of 8 international film awards including an Academy Award!

There are some films that entertain us, and there are others that quietly examine the human soul. The Lives of Others is one of those rare works. 

Set in East Germany during the final years of the Cold War, it explores a society built on fear, suspicion, and the relentless pursuit of control. Yet beneath its political story lies a more enduring question: Can a human heart truly change? 

The film invites us to consider the power of beauty, music, literature, truth, and sacrificial love to awaken conscience where ideology has numbed it. Whether viewed through a philosophical lens or a religious one, it asks timeless questions about sin and redemption, justice and mercy, and what it means to become fully human. Discussion led by Sam Choi. 

Trailer

R, 2006, Political Thriller/Drama, 137 minutes, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

Free Admission. Please register. Co-sponsored by New College Berkeley and First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley.

About the Faith & Film series:

In this series we will examine the potent and relevant medium of film in exploring themes of love, faith, conscience, evil, death, reception, grace, morality, identity, and our yearning for the sacred. Each month we will view a different film––each unique, compelling, and demanding––reflecting our current times. Each film is curated by those who love this artistic medium and will host a conversation following our viewing. Co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley and New College Berkeley.

Event details:

FPCB is located at 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley, and the event will start promptly at 7PM in Geneva Hall, Room G202. There is is free parking with sign-in in the FPCB underground parking lot on Channing Way.