Maestra

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Maestra

Released May 24, 2024

1h 28m

Documentary

Music

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12 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Five incredible women from around the world who are boldly breaking glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of orchestral conducting take center stage in MAESTRA, filmmaker Maggie Contreras' directorial debut. These women gathered in Paris for 'La Maestra', the only competition in the world for female conductors, to show the world the singular talent that unites them and which, for far too long, has been considered the pursuit of only men. Mothers, daughters, rebels, leaders -- over four days, each took to the stage to compete: a mother of young twins from Athens, determined to show her kids anything is possible; a Ukrainian doing all she can to focus on her art and the competition in front of her while Russia invades; a Polish student just starting out; a newlywed American grappling with the decision to start a family; and a French immigrant returning to the city that closed its doors to her many years ago. Personal stories of survival, passion and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one-of-a-kind event. The struggles and triumphs of the gifted artists in MAESTRA offer a microcosm for the challenges faced by women in every industry and in every walk of life today, while also providing valuable insights into how we may conduct ourselves as we create a new movement for a more equitable future.

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Christy Lemire

RogerEbert.com

One of the coolest revelations to come from “Maestra” is the affectionate way these women regard each other.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 7, 2024

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Caryn James

The Hollywood Reporter

Even when it chooses to put the rosiest gloss on things... the film is bracing and inspiring, giving some talented conductors much-deserved visibility.

Jun 21, 2023

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Manuel Betancourt

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A little baggy and a little long... But it was fascinating.

Jul 13, 2024

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Carla Renata

The Curvy Film Critic

Contreras grasps the intimacy of her subjects with a nuanced precision leaving my heart was so full a whole new generation of young female musicians will be inspired to come out of the pit and into a spotlight once only reserved for men

Jun 15, 2024

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Richard Schertzer

Battle Royale With Cheese

All in all, this film is a symphony of beautiful and dulcet tones that makes for such entertaining viewing.

Jun 2, 2024

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Tim Miller

Cape Cod Wave Magazine

Maggie Contreras profiles five female conductors who take part in La Maestra, an international competition in Paris. ... we experience their joy of success, their heartbreak of disappointment, and the sense of camaraderie that develops among them.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 1, 2023

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Synopsis

Five incredible women from around the world who are boldly breaking glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of orchestral conducting take center stage in MAESTRA, filmmaker Maggie Contreras' directorial debut. These women gathered in Paris for 'La Maestra', the only competition in the world for female conductors, to show the world the singular talent that unites them and which, for far too long, has been considered the pursuit of only men. Mothers, daughters, rebels, leaders -- over four days, each took to the stage to compete: a mother of young twins from Athens, determined to show her kids anything is possible; a Ukrainian doing all she can to focus on her art and the competition in front of her while Russia invades; a Polish student just starting out; a newlywed American grappling with the decision to start a family; and a French immigrant returning to the city that closed its doors to her many years ago. Personal stories of survival, passion and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one-of-a-kind event. The struggles and triumphs of the gifted artists in MAESTRA offer a microcosm for the challenges faced by women in every industry and in every walk of life today, while also providing valuable insights into how we may conduct ourselves as we create a new movement for a more equitable future.

Director: Maggie Contreras
Producer: Neil Berkeley, Maggie Contreras, Lauren Lexton, Melanie Miller, Emma West
Production Co: BRKLY, Worldwide Pants
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 28m

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