Please note: This was screened in Nov 2023
★★★★“[Marianela Maldonado's] film manages the rare feat of combining the intimate and the panoramic” Phil Hoad, Guardian
This documentary follows three Venezuelan children from the impoverished Las Brisas neighbourhood in their quest to become professional musicians within the ranks of “El Sistema”, which is a classical music programme.
Over a decade Edixon, Dissandra and Wuilly try to achieve a better future as they face the great challenges of the country’s dire socio-political situation. The crisis makes it impossible for them to accomplish their dreams and in their struggle, they come to represent Venezuelan society.
Director Marianela Maldonado was born in Venezuela near the area where the protagonists of the film grew up. It took her a decade to complete the film, during which the country and the characters experienced significant changes.