Le Concert Interview

Themes of Jewish identity and escape permeate throughout Radu Mihaileanu’s modest, but burgeoning filmography. Born in Romania and later emigrating to France, a subject he would later explore with Trahir (1993), he cut his teeth in film as an assistant to Marco Ferreri (who’s 70’s fetishistic masterpiece, Liza will be premiering on Cinémoi, 23rd of July), then later making Train de Vie, and the Cesar nominated Live and Become (2005).

In Brezhnev’s Russia, Andrei Fillipov (Aleksei Guskov), a famed conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra is fired for refusing to remove Jewish musicians from his orchestra. Cut to thirty years on and a depressed and alcoholic Fillipov is still employed by the Orchestra, but only as a janitor. When he chances upon a fax inviting the orchestra to play in Paris at La salle Pleyel his opportunity to exact revenge presents itself.

Le Concert marks Mihaileanu’s forth feature and is a testament the mastery of his filmmaking style and subjects, recounting tragic tales with humour and insight, always seeking a glimmer of redemption and hope in an often senseless and cruel world.

Cinémoi is delighted to present to you an interview with Radu Mihaileanu, charting his personal experiences that provided the basis of the film, to his desire to work with the internationally blossoming star Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds), who even learnt the violin for the role, contributing in the film’s commercial and critical success in France and earning the César for Best Score.

A touching tale, that doesn't leave a dry eye in the house, don’t miss Le Concert, released nation-wide Friday 16 July, courtesy of Optimum releasing. http://www.optimumreleasing.com/theatrical.php?id=1336