In March 2020, with lockdown imminent, an old friend called Laurie Berg rang me to ask if I would read a synopsis for a religious film or perhaps novel. Knowing I was raised a Catholic, he wanted my perspective on A Conflict of Faith, a story that has some parallels with Schindler’s List.
But Schindler’s List was directed by Steven Spielberg who can make any fim he wants. What are the chances of getting a religious-themed film made today if you are not an Oscar-winning director ?
The story opens in Dachau concentration camp in 1943. Hans is a devout Catholic German lieutenant – and member of the Nazi party – working as an accountant in Dachau. He risks his life by giving food to the starving Jewish inmates and saves a Jewish baby girl from certain death by smuggling her out of this hell on earth. With the help of his local priest and a Mother Superior, Hans and his wife adopt the girl and bring her up in the Catholic faith.
