The Grand Bolero

Set in the backdrop of rural Italy, this thriller has beautiful cinematography and a wondrous gripping storyline.

Brilliant, raw and powerful performances from the two main protagonists, Lidia Vitale and Ludovica Mancini - with subtle direction from Gabriele Fabbro.

The story is set in a church in the covid era as a young girl takes refuge as an assistant to a pipe organ restorer - and their relationship metamorphosises with captivating results.

The powerful music of the pipe organ cleverly weaves in synchronicity with the story to keep and heighten the tension & emotions of this thriller, which works to keep the viewer invested.

Loved this film!

What a visually beautiful film! The cinematography was excellent and the score using all the organ music added so much to the watching experience. All the characters were engaging with worthy performances. I love when a film surprises me in the end, this one did! Very nicely done by Gabriele Fabbro for his first feature film. I look forward to more from this director.

This film is incredibly visually poetic and the performances are fantastic. Lidia Vitale is a powerhouse and delivers a moving and chilling performance in this film. The score perfectly punctuates the drama on screen and the cinematography and pace keep you enthralled and interested in every detail as the story unfolds. Hope this film comes out in theaters.

I am dying to see this film in theaters, because I'm confident the experience will be that much better. (I originally watched it on my computer through a virtual film festival.) Goodness gracious the SOUND! The POWER of the organ! I could FEEL the music. And the echoing feeling of the dialogue in the grand cathedral was spectacular. I have no idea how they pulled that off. The story was unique and captivating. I was constantly guessing at what would happen next.

And Lidia Vitale... WOW. I'm searching for words to describe her performance, but everything comes up short. She is mesmerizing and powerful. She says nothing and says everything.

Excellent film from Italy at the San Jose film festival, CINEQUEST. During COVID lockdown, a church is closed down and hires a later middle age woman, Roxanne, a organ repairer, restorer and tuner to work on the theater pipe organ and full pipe organ. The lone priest takes in Lucia, rejected by family; not able to talk, illiterate and only understanding English as an assistant. Cold, gruff Roxanne is totally against the idea, but does work with Lucia. Soundtrack is exceptional, church pipe organ, theater organ and sounds of nature. Cinematography of foothills of the Italian Alps and the lush forest vegetation is excellent. Acting is excellent by all.