To Play and to Fight
Film Title (Spanish): Tocar y Luchar
Film Title (Original): Tocar y Luchar
Country of Origin: Venezuela
Year of Completition: 2006
Running Time: 70 minutes
Format/Color/BW: Digibeta, Color
Language: Spanish
 Director: Alberto Arvelo | Biography | Watch Trailer
Film Synopsis - Short:
One of the music world’s most uplifting social phenomenon, the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System has made world-class musicians out of otherwise forgotten young children. Interviews with music luminaries Placido Domingo, Sir Simon Rattle, and many others appear throughout this inspirational documentary about music, courage, determination and teamwork. Audience Award winner at the 2007 Miami International Film Festival.
Film Synopsis - Long:
One of the music world’s most uplifting social phenomenon, the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System has made world-class musicians of otherwise forgotten young children. Directed by a former member of the orchestra, this inspirational story of courage, determination and teamwork celebrates the indelible imprint the system has left on those who have played within it or have heard its music.
Once a modest program designed to expose rural children to music, the Youth Orchestra has grown into a socially committed, massively successful organization that has attracted worldwide attention. To Play and to Fight reveals the inspirational stories of outstanding musicians trained in the system, including the Berlin Philharmonic's youngest player, Edicson Ruíz, and world-renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Interviews with many of the world's most celebrated music luminaries, including the great tenor Plácido Domingo (who is moved to tears when he first hears the group play), Claudio Abbado, and Sir Simon Rattle, underline the system’s success, while moments at home and in rehearsal with new recruits (ages 8-13) show that its future is as bright as ever.
"This film is about much more than music,” notes director Alberto Arvelo, one of Venezuela’s rising filmmakers. “It is a film about hope, about the power and the importance of hope in our everyday lives.” Watching audiences, and stars like Domingo, overcome by the beauty, love and optimism that are inherent in the group’s musical performances, one can whole-heartedly agree. Audience Award winner at the 2007 Miami International Film Festival.
Film Credits
Director: Alberto Arvelo
Producers: Pedro Mezquita, Nestor L. López-Duran,
Gerardo Montilla
Executive Producer: Igor Lanz
Screenwriter: Alberto Arvelo, Carlos Díaz
Cinematographers: Cezary Jaworski, John Màrquez
Editors: Nascuy Linares, Juan Carlos López-Duran
With: Daniel Arias, Joyce Blanco, Daniel Coronado, Gustavo Dudamel, Kenneth Jones, Ronny Marcano, Edicson Ruíz, Lila Vivas
Film History/Prizes:
Audience Award – Documentary Features - Miami International Film Festival 2007 |
