When a world-famous conductor accepts the challenge from a foundation to create an Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra, he is quickly drawn into a tempest of seemingly unsolvable problems. Having grown up in a state of war, suppression or constant risk of terrorist attacks, the young musicians from both sides are unable to form a team. Lined up behind the two best violinists – the emancipated Palestinian Layla and the talented but arrogant Israeli Ron – they form two parties who deeply mistrust each other, on and off-stage alike. Will the conductor succeed and help the young people forget their hatred, at least for the three weeks until the concert? Academy-Award nominated director Dror Zahavi directs this gripping drama as a constantly growing ‘crescendo’ until the last frame.

Program in Waterville made possible by the Sam L. Cohen, Bernard Osher, and Lunder Foundations.

Film Details: Drama, Music/ Dir: Dror Zahavi/ Starring Peter Simonischek/ 2019/ Germany/ Ger, Eng w/ Eng ST/102 m

Festivals: N.Y. Jewish FF , Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival , Jewish Film Festival Berlin & Brandenburg , Jewish FF Berlin & Brandenburg, Festival of German Films Ludwigshafen