Divertimento

The Chilean mine town of Curanilahue in the southern province Arauco used to flourish owing to its earnings from pit coal. Today, the unemployment figures and alcohol abuse rank among the highest in the country. A group of professional musicians tries to cheer up the children’s lives by teaching them how to play the violin and the cello. Some kids discover their talents, others are satisfied with the fact that they are part of a group. After a while, their progress is evaluated and they stand a chance of being promoted within the orchestra. Filmmaker Diego Meza follows some of the children during rehearsals. A girl tells that she tries to sing along with the Spice Girls sometimes, but that she always stumbles over the English lyrics. Her teacher is inspired: ‘Every musician has the responsibility to change people’s moods. If that happens, you produce art.‘ The children may play out of tune once in a while, but they always do it sincerely.