In the short 20-minute film, Music Lessons, the viewer observes the children at Yorkwoods Public School, near Jane and Finch, learn and grow through with the music they create. The viewer is invited to watch, learn and grow with the children from the moment they first learn how to make paper violins to when they open up their instruments case. The film features wild kids running around and dedicated teachers as it builds up to the student’s performance at CBC.
For a little background, the music program was developed in Venezuela, and now there are branches all over the world. The program aims to foster talent, give children the opportunity to play and strengthen to the community.
The filmmaker behind it all is Michael Mabbot, who worked with the people at Bell Local to bring the film to life. Mabbot uses his skills as a filmmaker to get to the deeper roots and issues underlying these kid’s backgrounds and their newfound love of music. The kids open up and share their thoughts with him, giving the film little filter, making it a unique experience.
These children are fearless and truly inspiring when it comes to their dedication to music. One little girl echoes this by telling a story how she practiced playing her instrument by playing to the bug on her windowsill.
These kids are looking for a place to be themselves and they’ve found that in their music. During one segment of the film, the kid’s discuss what they listened to before joining the program and after. The majority of the students said that they were not engaged with music previously. But afterwards, their musical tastes included bands like Nirvana and KISS. One student in particular quotes Nirvana and how the lyrics to “Come as You Are” speak to her.
At the end of the night there was a special treat at the international premiere. Sistema Toronto performed on buckets, sang and played their instruments for the audience. Ultimately, the film is a tearjerker. It reminds you of the power of music, to accept everyone and to keep on growing.
It should also be noted that the film is supported by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Government of Canada, City of Toronto and Donner Canadian Foundation.
For more information on Sistema Toronto and the film visit the Hot Docs website.
