IFF: Gloria

Synopsis

Opening Night!
Tickets include Te Awanga Estate wine and Italian Taralli

1800. Mute Teresa (Galatéa Bellugi) is a servant at Venice’s Sant Ignazio College, a religious institution for girls overseen by stern priest Perlina (Paolo Rossi). Tasked with menial duties, Teresa is punished for any form of transgression, but observes the orphanage orchestra from the sidelines, and yearns to take part.

When news arrives of an imminent visit by the newly enthroned Pope, the college is thrown into chaos. With Perlini distracted by the struggle of writing a new Baroque composition to mark the occasion, Teresa finds a hidden piano in the storeroom. Soon, she and a quartet of students begin secretly gathering each night to take turns on the instrument.

Together, they cross centuries and challengs the dusty old world of classical music by inventing rebellious, modern music.