Synopsis

This both fascinating and touching documentary – bearing some similarities to a feature film – explains how music helps children and adolescents from deprived backgrounds to get their lives back on track. As part of a project initiated by Caritas, Wiener Konzerthaus and the Vienna Boys’ choir, some children are given the chance to learn and play an instrument, and be part of a choir or an orchestra for free. The brothers Arash and Arman T. Riahi have accompanied some of these children for a year as they were taking part in this initiative. As this was being filmed, the directors made sure to always remain out of the spotlight and let the little stars shine: through rehearsals, family gatherings, and even when the children themselves ingenuously and self-reflectively discussed their fears and dreams in front of the camera. The lives of the children in question are anything but easy: Denise is a cancer survivor, Denizcan had to deal with the separation of his parents and Ariunaa was forced to come to terms with her father’s death. Through music lessons and the camp at the end of the school year, they all manage to increase their self-confidence and see their problems and the world from new perspectives. In the end, one is certainly not surprised at the brilliance of the concert held by the children.

Guests

ARASH T. RIAHI

Arash T. Riahi
Director and Producer Kinders
Curator Short Film Competition
In Vienna: March 24-26

ARMAN T. RIAHI

Arman T. Riahi
Director Kinders
Curator Short Film Competition
In Vienna: March 24-26