Adventures of a Cello

Austria/ Luxemburg 2011 l 80 min l colour l 35 mm

Written & directed by Anne Schiltz
Producers: Anne Schroeder, Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu, Bady Minck
Produced by Samsa Film & AMOUR FOU

The cello. In shape, size and sound, the most human-like of all the music instruments. Nobly responding to the cellist's wishes and demands, elegantly swinging along to its song - grounded, yet hovering – it faces the audience. More than 'just' a music instrument. Also a piece of art. A companion. The documentary's starting point is the story of a stolen Testore cello, rediscovered in Hong Kong after years of persistent investigations. What is the value of this cello? What does it mean to people? By exploring different ways in which people engage with the same object, the film takes us on a journey of discovery. Accompanying the cello, we enter workshops, auction houses and practice rooms. We meet makers, dealers, collectors and – of course – the musicians that bring the instruments to life - each of these people relating to the cello in a specific way. Those relationships are at the heart of this film and provide its visuals and soundscape.