Divertimento

It's rare that I get completely captivated by a film - but this was perfection on a screen.

Th film-making was excellent in all respects from casting through to pacing and writing. What the entire production team did that so few fail to achieve is to pay full homage to the people on whose real life story the film is based on.

At no time did any aspect seem overdone - subtlety and realism were the undertones in everything from the cinematography to the acting. We watched this with friends and all of us were in awe at the vision, capability and determination of the lead characters Zahia & Fettouma Ziouani. Overcoming institutionalized sexism and racism in the musical world of Paris was shown but not over-laboured.

We will time our next visit to Paris to ensure we can hear orchestre divertimento. This is film making at its best about truly inspiring people.

This is the story of how and why Zahia & Fettouma Ziouani created the Divertimento orchestra in France. Zahia and Fettouma are twins, from the working class city of Stains in Seine Saint Denis. Fettouma plays the cello and Zahia plays the Alto, but dreams of directing an orchestra. In their last year of high school, they arrive in a bourgeois high school in Paris, where they are insulted and ill treated by most of the class, not willing to let them integrate into their class. Both Zahia and Fattema are prodigies, but also very clever girls. They are top of their class, and try to integrate into a world that is not theirs. While giving a lecture to the class, Sergiu Celibidache, a maestro, discovers that Zahia has what it takes to become a maestro, and gives her the opportunity to learn in his private class, where she also takes her sister to play in the orchestra. Zahia clearly loves music, and in her own words, music is what makes her feel happy and whole. However she is coming in a world where only 6% of maestros are females (only 4% in France), and from a world that is not accustomed to. This is where Fettouma gives her the idea to have an orchestra of her own, that resembles her, young, and diverse. With the help of her sister, Zahia requests a room from her city Stains, and recruits people to play in it. From students in their Parisian high school, to the Stains music conservatory, they ask everyone interested to join the orchestra. The idea of the orchestra is to bring together people, and use music as a way to elevate everyone, from the inhabitants of Seine Saint Denis, to the kids having a shared purpose. This movie is basically what I would have wanted Tár to be, showing all the struggles of a woman trying to go into a male world, purely on talent alone, as she doesn't have anything or anyone able to help her in. The actors are great, and the story well made. I fully recommend, especially if you love classical music.

Divertimento, a biopic chronicling the inspiring journey of Zahia Ziouani (played by Oulaya Amamra), is a heartwarming crowd-pleaser with a touch of underdog grit. Set against the backdrop of the working-class suburbs of Paris, the film follows Zahia's unwavering ambition to become a conductor in an industry dominated by tradition and privilege.

The film excels at capturing the social and cultural barriers Zahia faces. Early scenes depict her attending a prestigious music school, where she's met with snickers and condescension from both classmates and faculty. This isn't just about overcoming self-doubt; it's a battle against systemic biases. Director Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar doesn't shy away from these challenges, but thankfully, the tone remains optimistic. There's a "can-do" spirit woven into the narrative, reminiscent of classic sports movies where the underdog triumphs against all odds.

Amamra delivers a captivating performance as Zahia. Her portrayal is both passionate and nuanced, showcasing the character's determination alongside moments of vulnerability and frustration. We root for Zahia from the get-go, and Amamra makes us feel the sting of every rejection and the thrill of every victory. The supporting cast, particularly Lina El Arabi as Zahia's twin sister Fettouma, provides strong emotional grounding.

While Divertimento's heart is in the right place, the plot occasionally feels formulaic. Certain conflicts are resolved a little too easily, and the narrative takes a predictable turn in the second half. The historical context of the movie helps to somewhat lessen this predictability. Knowing this is a true story adds a layer of weight to the emotional core.

The technical aspects are solid. The music, of course, is a combination of traditional classics. A little more risk-taking in the selections would have been welcome. The cinematography is uncluttered, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and the music. However, the editing could have been tighter in some scenes, particularly during montages that feel a tad rushed.

Divertimento is a pleasant and uplifting watch. It's not going to win awards for originality, but it delivers a powerful message about defying expectations and pursuing your dreams. If you're looking for a feel-good movie with a strong central performance and a touch of social commentary, Divertimento is a well-made and inspiring story that will leave you with a smile.