Same, but different — The Image of Women in the Catholic Church

The Bible says: "God created humans in his own image" - an image, but in different ways? If you look at the structures of the Catholic Church, differences between the sexes quickly become apparent: the ordained offices of deacon, priest and bishop are taboo for women. Other Bible passages also show clear differences between women and men when it comes to role models. To what extent are these still up-to-date? And what arguments are there for and against changes in the Catholic Church's image of women? The film follows two Catholic women whose positions could not be more different. It also assesses the extent to which there is hope for a change in thinking in terms of canon law.

  • Eva-Maria Schauer
    Director
  • Eva-Maria Schauer
    Producer
  • Marieluise Gallinat-Schneider
    Key Cast
  • Luisa-Maria Papadopoulos
    Key Cast
  • Bernhard Sven Anuth
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Gleich, aber anders — Das Frauenbild in der katholischen Kirche
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student, Television
  • Genres:
    Report, Documentary, JournalisticFilm, Short, Student, Television
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    German
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Director Biography - Eva-Maria Schauer

Eva-Maria Schauer was born on November 15, 1999 in Bruchsal. After graduating from high school in 2018, she began her bachelor's degree in cross-media journalism/public relations at the Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart. After graduating, she decided to pursue a postgraduate degree at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, where she has been studying journalistic film since September 2022. She also works as a radio news anchor at SWR and completed further training as a presenter at the Institut für Moderation in Stuttgart. Since then, she has also worked as a freelance presenter. Her previous films have been shown at the Filmschau Baden-Württemberg, the trinational SHORTS Festival Offenburg and the Grenzland Festival in Selb.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In our film, we report on two protagonists who represent different positions on the topic. These are presented in a balanced way and are checked and classified by the on-screen reporter. In addition, the scenic design parts are used to address the Bible passages that relate to the image of women.

The film is intended to make it clear that there are different opinions on the extent to which the image of women in the Catholic Church should be reformed. It is also intended to examine whether solutions are possible that could bring about compromises between conservative and liberal Christians. The viewers should form their own opinion from the different perspectives after they have become aware of the topic through the film.