In the context of peace negotiations between diplomats from Israel and Palestine in South Tyrol a concert of a youth orchestra of young Palestinians and Israelis shall take place under massive security precautions. The young people do not want to give up the peace efforts, which have already worked in their microcosm. By making music together they are finding by and by common ground - a first path to bridging hatred, intolerance and terror. Does music have the strength, to build bridges between the young people of different religions and hated nationalities despite the many challenges and obstacles?

When world-famous conductor Eduard Sporck (Peter Simonischek, Toni Erdmann) accepts the job to create an Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra, he is quickly drawn into a tempest of sheer unsolvable problems. Having grown up in a state of war, suppression or constant risk of terrorist attacks, the young musicians from both sides are far from able to form a team. Lined up behind the two best violinists – the emancipated Palestinian Layla and the handsome Israeli Ron – they form two parties who deeply mistrust each other, on and off-stage alike. Will Sporck succeed and make the young people forget their hatred, at least for the three weeks until the concert? With the first glimmer of hope, however, the political opponents of the orchestra show them how strong they are…

Loosely inspired by Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Academy-Award nominated director Dror Zahavi (“Alexander Penn”, “Everything for my Father”) directs this gripping drama as a constantly growing ‘crescendo’, rising the tension and conflicts until the last frame. Lead actor Peter Simonischek (“Toni Erdmann”) stars next to a highly convincing selection of up-and-coming actors like Daniel Donskoy (“Victoria”) and Sabrina Amali (“4 Blocks”). A remarkable theatrical movie and contribution to the world-wide efforts towards understanding, humanity and peace.

Sponsored By Dana Egert and Judy & Manny Rabinowitz and Carol & Irv Smokler