Pianoforte

2023, NR, Poland, Documentary, 91 minutes
  Polish with English Subtitles

Director: Jakub Piątek
Producer: Maciej Kubicki
Writer: Jakub Piątek
Cast: Leonora Armellini, Michelle Candotti, Alexander Gadjiev, Eva Gevorgyan, Hao Rao, Marcin Wieczorek

During the preliminary round, there are 160 of them. Then, about 90. Then 45. At last, only 12 lucky ones make it to the final. These are the contestants in the legendary International Chopin Piano Competition, held every five years in Warsaw, Poland. Pianoforte follows an eclectic group of young musicians from around the world who have prepared since they were children for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the triumphant highs and crushing lows of competition, filmmaker Jakub Piatek (Prime Time, 2021 Sundance Film Festival) captures the intense pressure these musicians face in an experience that combines tears of exhaustion and despair with the ecstatic joy of playing their chosen instrument. Pianoforte is both a testament to the power of remarkable music and an intimate coming-of-age portrait of young pianists navigating the rigors of competition, intense practice sessions, new friendships, drama and fierce nerves — all while showcasing their undeniable musical talent.