WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? is Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville's (20 Feet from Stardom) documentary about the life and work of children's programming/public TV pioneer Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Through extensive footage and interviews with Rogers' widow, Joanne; their two adult sons; and a host of colleagues and friends -- including Yo-Yo Ma (whose son is one of the documentary's producers) -- Neville digs into the legendary man who remains a symbol of friendship, kindness, and make-believe for generations of adults. The film documents how Rogers, who hailed from Pittsburgh's upper crust and was trained and ordained as a Presbyterian minister, dedicated his life to service, faith, and young children.

Doug Dunderdale, whose dad was also a Presbyterian minister in Pittsburgh and was a friend of Fred Rogers, will lead the discussion. Doug’s first job in television was working on “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” back in 1975.

Free Admission.

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.

LOCATION

First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 94704