News About BONHOEFFER

PBS marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who gave his life in trying to overthrow Adolf Hitler, with the national television broadcast of Journey Films' BONHOEFFER on February 6, 2006. The award-winning documentary film tells the story of the life and legacy of the German pastor, theologian and Nazi resistor whose restless search for the will of God was made all the more compelling by his willingness to meet his own death as a consequence of his moral choices. The film was shown as a presentation of South Carolina Educational Television (SC ETV).

The PBS broadcast version of the film was edited to fit public television programming lengths (56 minutes, 46 seconds). However, the full-length, Director's Version in both VHS and DVD formats is available through the Journey Films' website www.JourneyFilms.com. The DVD includes an interview with the director, selected Bonhoeffer text, an archival photo gallery and the original theatrical trailer.

This website provides a wide range of material, both in support of the television broadcast, as well as to facilitate local viewings of the film. It includes a section with Additional Reading recommendations related to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In the Background Materials section there is additional information that provides more context concerning the German church, the Nazi resistance movement and the reaction of the German church to National Socialism. The Group Materials section has been designed to help integrate the Bonhoeffer story into the ongoing life of churches and synagogues. The articles, leader's guide and discussion questions are adapted for a wide range of faith perspectives.

Through this website we also have a Poster (in PDF format) that be used to promote local screenings of BONHOEFFER. It can be viewed and downloaded HERE.

Dan Juday, who has developed this website material, would be happy to hear any feedback concerning its usefulness.

 

Interviews

CLICK HERE to hear an interview with Martin Doblmeier by NPR’s Krista Tippet of Speaking of Faith.

 

Reviews of the Film

"…a touching narrative on the nature of faith… There is a powerful echo of the ethical questions… in the work of Mr. Doblmeier, whose impressive filmography includes the documentary "Thomas Jefferson: A View from the Mountain" which also addressed issues of morality in a flawed world." — New York Times

"This absorbing and beautifully made portrait conveys the essence of the man and his world... lyrically presented… profoundly moving on an emotional level." — Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

"…a mesmerizing U.S. documentary by Martin Doblmeier that ably performs the difficult task of providing key biographical information about Bonhoeffer while also focusing on his shifting religious and political beliefs…the film unearths the workings of this remarkable man's mind." — Chicago Tribune

"Strong, inspiring profile… we're aware from the opening moments that we are in the presence of one of the more remarkable men of the 20th century." — Newsday

"…tough, beautifully made documentary … a powerful tribute to a man whom people of faith must never forget." — St. Anthony Messenger