Films Across Borders: The Trouble with Being Born (2020), dir. S. Wollner

PLEASE READ ALL ADVISORIES BEFORE REGISTRATION. THANK YOU!

CONTENT ADVISORY

This film contains themes that viewers may find upsetting. Although The Trouble with Being Born explores ethical topics that must be considered as we look toward the future of Artificial Intelligence, we nevertheless feel it is necessary to advise interested attendees that the film also contains disturbing subject matter.

Therefore we have decided to give this film a rating of R, and attach a content warning for themes of incest and child sexual abuse. We kindly ask that all guests interested in attending this screening strongly consider this content warning before registering. Thank you!

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COVID-19 PROTOCOL

Proof of vaccination or negative test required; Everyone attending this program will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test within the past 72 hours of the day of the event along with a matching photo ID. Proof of vaccination can be your physical vaccine card or a photo of your vaccine card. Documentation must have your full legal name that matches to your proof of identification (driver's license, passport, etc.). Face masks must be worn in the Goethe-Institut at all times.

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OUTDOOR SCREENING ADVISORY

This film will be screened outdoors on a rooftop terrace the evening of October 14, between 7:30pm and 9:30pm. If it rains, we will relocate the screening indoors. Please dress accordingly as the terrace is not heated.

The Trouble with Being Born (2020), dir. Sandra Wollner

Germany/Austria, 2020, 94 min. In German with English subtitles. Written by Sandra Wollner and Roderick Warich. Directed by Sandra Wollner.

Elli is an android and lives with a man she calls her father. Together they drift through the summer. During the day they swim in the pool and at night he takes her to bed. She shares his memories and anything else he programs her to recall. Memories that mean everything to him but nothing to her. Yet, one night she sets off into the woods following a fading echo… The story of a machine and the ghosts we all carry within us.

Sandra Wollner was born in Styria, Austria, in 1983. For her first feature film The Impossible Picture, she received the German Film Critics' Award in 2019. The Trouble with Being Born is her graduation film at the Film Academy of Baden-Württemberg.

FILMS ACROSS BORDERS

Films Across Borders showcases critically acclaimed films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. Co-presented by American University in partnership with embassy cultural organizations, arts institutions and environmental groups, the series focuses on a distinctive timely and compelling theme each year.

Now in its seventh year, Films Across Borders presents ‘Stories in A Changing World.’ The 2021 cinematic series features stories of change, transformation, and renewal in all walks of life and across continents. Previous Films Across Borders series have focused on ‘Stories of Resilience and Hope’ (2020); ‘Stories of Water’ (2019); ‘Stories of Women’ (2018); and ‘Stories of Migration’ (2017).

Come for the films and the enjoyment of engaging with filmmakers and topical speakers in lively post-screening discussions. Open to the public in venues around the city in October and November.

Host or Publisher Goethe-Institut Washington