03.12.2025

Film Festival Mathematics – Computer Science

“Moneyball” with expertise from Tübingen

The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation, together with the Karlstorkino Heidelberg, hosted the Film Festival Mathematics – Computer Science from 22 to 29 November 2025. The festival offers audiences an opportunity to explore mathematics, computer science, and societal issues through different films. A special feature of the program is that each screening is accompanied—either on-site or online—by experts who provide context, answer questions, and guide the discussion.

Moneyball was one of the films shown during the festival. The story follows team manager Billy Beane, who, after the breakup of the Oakland Athletics, had to assemble a competitive baseball team with limited resources. He is supported by economic analyst Peter Brand, who develops a data-driven, statistics-based approach that enables him to build a strong performance team without relying on star players.

After the film, a discussion was held with Prof. Dr. Tim Pawlowski (University of Tübingen) and Jun.-Prof. Pascal Bauer (Saarland University). They provided a scholarly perspective on the film and engaged with audience questions. The conversation also related to the Data Science and Sports Lab, which was established in Tübingen already in 2020.