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PIANOFORTE film image

Canadian Premiere

A thrilling glimpse into what it takes to compete in the prestigious and renowned International Chopin Competition, which has been held in Warsaw every five years since 1927. The stakes are high: not only because of the substantial prize money, but due to the overnight launch to fame these young pianists are promised. PIANOFORTE follows a handful of incredibly talented young musicians through rigorous practice sessions, anxiety-filled moments on and off stage, and the despair and joy of the coveted final performance. Director Jakub Piątek’s keen observational eye captures the nerves, the raw emotion, and the camaraderie and friendships that develop over the 21 days of the contest. Of course, the documentary is filled with extraordinary interpretations of the beloved composer Frédéric Chopin’s masterworks. Engaging and entertaining, PIANOFORTE provides rare insight to the sacrifice, ambition and external support required to follow this exalted musical dream.

 

September 30: Q&A with director Jakub Piątek

 

Series Media Partner

Community Partner

Director
Credits
Country of Origin

Poland

Year

2023

Language

In Chinese, English, Italian, Polish, Russian with English subtitles

Film Contact
Links
Content Warning

Coarse Language

PG
89 min
Art, Music & Photography Documentary

Book Tickets

Tuesday October 03

6:15 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles U18 May Attend
International Village 9
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Credits

Producer

Maciej Kubicki

Screenwriter

Jakub Piatek

Cinematography

Filip Drożdż

Editor

Ula Klimek-Piątek

Original Music

Teoniki Rożynek

Director

Jakub Piątek headshot

Photo by Michal Hara

Jakub Piątek

Jakub Piatek was born in 1985 in Poland. Piatek studied at the Polish National Film School in Łódź. Before studying directing, he worked as a journalist. His full-length feature debut Prime Time (2021) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. PIANOFORTE (2023) also premiered at Sundance, receiving its international premiere in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. Piatek currently teaches film at the Polish National Film School.

Filmography: Prime Time (2021);

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