Big Voice

Watched this award winning film at the South Dakota Film Festival and loved it. Especially enjoyed the personal moments with the students and their mentor/teacher Mr. Huls. This film captures yours attention and tugs at your emotions, you will find yourself rooting for the cast or at least some of them. Technically this film is excellent, fantastic sound, lighting and cinematography. Although I love music documentaries,I am not a huge fan of high school choirs and was not sure what to expect however I thought the story line was very interesting and included just the right balance of humor and serious moments. I am really looking forward to seeing what this film maker leaves her mark on next, whatever project that might be.

Big Voice is a wonderfully uplifting documentary about teenagers striving for excellence and the choir teacher who demands it. This film offers a glimpse into a world that most people know nothing about. I was completely drawn in by the teacher, the students and their stories. This incredibly demanding pursuit is only one of the many activities they each juggle and yet each time the bar is raised, they strive to meet it. The filmmakers did a wonderful job of making the audience feel like we were at the choir rehearsals and part of what was happening on screen. I was incredibly inspired by the students and wold love to know what they are doing now.

I have experienced Big Voice in a festival in Sao Paulo, it was screened with the presence of Varda Bar-Kar, that discussed aspects of the movie after the screening. It has changed how I think of my students, how I think of their development as individuals and how as a teacher I can connect in a way that many professions don't. Connect with people. Not only connect, but bonds that are carried with love. Mr Huls teaches us not how to teach, but teaches us what teaching is. Thank you Varda for one of the best experiences I've ever had watching a movie! Teacher or not, it will change how you respect, acknowledge and see people.

This documentary focuses on the true trials and tribulations of adolescence. A team of high schoolers must learn to work together and learn the important values of what it means to set goals and the hard work it takes to meet them. Their choir director is a sage - he's seen it all before, but still, with each new school year, he is challenged to his maximum. Competition docs are interesting because they have a clear finish line, but this doc is special because it doesn't shy away from the grit and process that it takes to get to that award winning performance. The cast of high schools is vibrant, as are their parents. A great film to watch with your family!

Big Voice is an amazing documentary that really draws you in. The documentary has been edited like a fictional film so you feel like you're watching a story unravel. You really learn what it takes to be a great teacher and artist. Mr. Huls pushes the students to do their best work and the students push back (you have to see it to find out what happens). The documentary reminded me of my high school years, which made the film even more enjoyable. Big Voice feels like it could be set in any school in any state. Anybody who loves high school choir, inspirational films, documentaries, the creative process or just want to laugh and cry should watch Big Voice. I recommend the documentary to anybody who can to watch Big Voice in a theater because the experience is even better. Either way, I'm sure you'll love it.