This film depicts the last six days in the life of Sophie Scholl, a remarkable young woman who resisted the Nazi regime. Based on a script that draws on new historical sources, with a minimalistic aesthetic, a concentrated narrative style, and brilliant acting, Marc Rothemund’s film focuses on the psychological debate between Sophie and the perpetrators of Nazi crimes. Sophie’s human and critical judgement is rooted in her Christian conviction. The film’s contemporary resonance is achieved through its ability to evoke dialogue about a Christian perspective on justice and freedom. It expresses a consistant civil courage and resistance against adverse structures of power.
55th Berlin International Film Festival
Awards of the Ecumenical Jury
An Ethiopian Christian boy travels from the famine of the refugee camp to the affluence of Israel, where he grows up in disguise and learns to come to terms with his split identity. Radu Mihaileanu’s film shows sensibility to present day diverse migratory pathways and reinforces the courage to persevere amidst shifting ethnic and religious allegiances. It depicts a rewarding journey of spiritual growth, living and becoming.
The film tells the stories of six Israeli soldiers who, after years of service, refused to do their annual reserve duty in the occupied territories. Their testimonies demonstrate how the profound vision of the Jewish tradition empowers personal conversion and social transformation.