Recklinghausen’s “Church and Cinema” Series to Explore Faith, Family, and Freedom Through Film
The ecumenical film series offers a space for exchange and reflection, kicking off January 28th with a powerful drama about radicalization.
Recklinghausen, Germany – A long-standing tradition of cinematic and spiritual engagement continues in the Recklinghausen district with the launch of the “Church and Cinema” series. For over two decades, this ecumenical initiative has provided a platform for film lovers to not only enjoy thought-provoking movies but also to engage in meaningful dialogue. The first half of 2024 will feature five carefully selected films, culminating in the 16th Church Film Festival in March.
The series begins on January 28th with “The Change,” a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of creeping radicalization. According to organizers, the film poses critical questions about the resilience of personal values in the face of fear and the allure of power.
February 25th will see a special preview screening of “Father Mother Sister Brother,” a day before its official release. This award-winning triptych by Jim Jarmusch offers a nuanced exploration of parent-child relationships through quiet and often absurd encounters.
In April, on the 22nd, the series will present “Reading Lolita in Tehran.” The film portrays the courageous life of an Iranian literature professor who, during the 1990s, led a secret reading group as a form of resistance against political repression and a fight for freedom and self-determination.
The program continues on May 27th with “Return to Ithaca,” a modern reimagining of the classic Odysseus myth. Organizers highlight the film’s focus on themes of guilt, shame, and the enduring hope for reconciliation. The first half of the series will conclude on June 24th with “The Colors of Time,” a visually compelling family portrait that seamlessly connects past and present.
The Church Film Festival itself, a beloved event for film enthusiasts in Recklinghausen, has been running for 23 years. The 16th iteration, scheduled for March 11th to 15th, promises a program filled with award-winning films, engaging guests, and stimulating discussions. The festival team is currently finalizing the program details.
Each screening will be preceded by an introduction from Michael M. Kleinschmidt, a media and religious educator from the Institute for Cinema and Film Culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the films and encouraging post-screening exchange.
Tickets are available for purchase online through Cineworld Recklinghausen at www.cineworld-recklinghausen.de. The series is a collaborative effort between the Evangelical Adult Education in the Recklinghausen Church District, the Catholic District Deanery in Recklinghausen, the Institute for Cinema and Film Culture Wiesbaden, and Cineworld Recklinghausen.
