Selected and facilitated by Sam Choi, MD / Co-Director of Series

“What we have here is the story of a very cool nun from a thousand years ago.” - S.F. Chronicle 

“A gorgeously filmed, surprisingly tough-minded portrait of the 12th-century Benedictine nun, scholar, mystic, and composer.” - Boston Globe

Who was Hildegard von Bingen?

Why do we know so little about this Da Vinci like polymath? A visionary, a poet, playwright, the most recorded composer of her century, philosopher, theologian, Christian mystic, scientist, preacher and a doctor or medicine.  

In the Middle Ages, she was regarded as the herald of the approaching end of the world. The humanists celebrated Hildegard as the first great woman in literary history. During the Reformation, Hildegard was often invoked because she had used drastic words to complain about abuses in the papal church and challenge its structure of power. The Romantics created the image of the "popular saint Hildegard" from many a miracle story. Since the industrial age, holistic "Hildegard medicine" has become popular as a gentle alternative to apparatus medicine. Today, Hildegard is regarded by many as a pioneer for the emancipation of women. As the most important composer in the history of 12th century music, she is also known for her holistic view of creation and our place in caring for our earth. 

Come and see why so many interest groups claim this unique person and why. 

Free admission

Location: First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley / 2407 Dana St. / Room G 220

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 New College Berkeley and First Presbyterian Church Berkeley.

Event details:

FPCB is located at 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley, and the event will start promptly at 7PM in Geneva Hall, Room G202. This co-sponsored event includes free parking in the FPCB underground parking lot (on Channing Way). You must leave a note on your dashboard indicating the event you are attending.