"Has a distinct bittersweetness that makes it more introspective, if not quietly haunting." - Nick Allen, RogerEbert.com
"It is, at times, a gauntlet of will and endurance. At other times it is a gentle rumination on coming-of-age, but it is always incisive and always a journey, one that lingers long after the credits disappear." - Calan Panchoo, Film Threat
Twenty-one days, 80 participants, 10 finalists. Warsaw’s International Chopin Piano competition, held every five years, has launched the careers of many piano virtuosos. Pianoforte follows seven hopefuls as they progress–or maybe not–through four grueling competition stages. The stakes are high and the pressure is intense–at times too intense for some. From rehearsals to performance, backstage and at home, the camera captures what it takes to make it in this highly competitive world. It’s a case of SPELLBOUND meets TÁR in filmmaker Jakub Piątek’s enthralling documentary. (Greenwich Films) Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Audience Award, Grand Angle Competition, Visions du Réel
Nominee - World Cinema - Documentary, Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival
Official Selection - Sundance Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, CPH: DOX
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu