Holy Family Retreat: "Orchestrating Change" (2021) - FREE

Come to this FREE screening of Emmy-winners Margie Friedman and Barbara Multer-Wellin's (of PBS' Independent Lens) documentary about New England's own Me2/Orchestra, the only classical music organization in the world created by and for people with mental illness. The showing will be followed by a panel discussion (via Zoom) with producers and participants from the film.

• Ronald Braunstein was on the trajectory to becoming one of the world's leading conductors until he made his diagnosis of bipolar disorder public and was shunned by the classical music community. He decided to create an orchestra for people like him with the mission of erasing mental health stigma one concert at a time. The film follows Braunstein and several of the musicians for two years — capturing their setbacks and their accomplishments. The musicians' stories are told entirely in their own words, augmented with striking animation. The film culminates in a joyous concert at a major venue. It is a triumph for Braunstein, who thought he might never conduct again, the musicians, and the audience, whose perspective on mental illness is forever changed.

Watch the trailer from Bullfrog Films here.

In English. Presented by NAMI Farmington Valley. 94 minutes. Not rated.

Admission is FREE, but please register in advance at NAMI Farmington Valley's website.

Movie starts at 6:30 PM.