By Roger Costa
VIVA VERDI!
Capturing the nostalgia of the elderly, retired musicians living at Casa Verdi, the retirement home founded in 1896 by composer Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, this sensitive and very touching documentary is up for an Oscar, nominated in the Best Song category.
Wonderfully observational and precise, director Yvonne Russo documents their stories with empathy and engagement, spanning their early practices into art and music, their legacy and the enthusiasm of continuing to create and perform, even with the hurdles of aging.
The documentary follows residents aged 77 to 107 as they continue to perform, teach, and mentor 16 international young music students who live among them.
The film’s original song, “Sweet Dreams of Joy,” an aria composed by Emmy Award–winner Nicholas Pike, and performed by soprano Ana María Martínez, earned the Academy Award nomination, making the doc one of the rarest cases on getting such accomplishment.
It premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival and since then has been praised for its touching material depicted with honesty and candor.
A marvelous cinematic statement on the power of generational art.
(Oscar nominated VIVA VERDI! is now streaming on Jolt. Go to www.vivaverdithefilm.com for details).
THE ROSE: COME BACK TO ME
Following the inspiring journey of the members of worldwide known Korean pop group The Rose, this musical doc is a feast for fans and newcomers alike. Featuring testimonies, reflections and commentaries on the transformational power of music and its healing qualities, fame, youth and our troubled world, director Eugene Yi captures intimate and personal moments, revealing the human side and its natural inclinations.
Formed by Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Taegyeom, The Rose quickly became one of Korea’s most in-demand groups, captivating audiences worldwide with their soul-stirring, genre-blending sound.
Taking an efficient up-close look at The Rose from the streets of Hongdae to the stages of Coachella, this Tribeca-selection is a fascinating portrait of a generation seeking healing through music and connections.
(A CJ 4DPLEX Release. Opens Worldwide on Friday, February 14th).
Comments