Agnieszka Holland to Executive Produce Documentary Short ‘The Tuners’
Renowned three-time Oscar nominee Agnieszka Holland has joined the documentary short film The Tuners as an executive producer. The esteemed Polish writer and director collaborates with fellow Polish talent, actress and singer Joanna Kulig, known for her roles in Cold War, Fatherland, and Ida, also serving as an executive producer for the film. This intriguing project explores the intricacies of musical craftsmanship and the rivalries that lurk backstage.
Directed by Pawel Chorzepa, acclaimed for Sonny, and produced by International Emmy winner Joanna Chorzepa (formerly of Pianoforte), The Tuners is set to make waves during the awards season, closely following its recognition at three Oscar-qualifying film festivals. The short film is scheduled for a mid-November release via The New York Times Op-Docs and has been included in the DOC NYC short list, as well as featured in the IDFA market in Amsterdam.
A synopsis of the film reveals: “The Tuners reveals an unseen competition that simmers beneath the surface of Warsaw’s renowned International Chopin Piano Competition. As pianists prepare for pivotal performances, three master piano tuners closely collaborating with leading grand piano manufacturers tirelessly strive for the ultimate sound. Each tuner approaches the task with their own unique philosophy, intuition, and skill, understanding that the choice of instrument and its responsiveness could significantly impact a pianist’s success. Over the span of 22 minutes, the film transforms this meticulous and often overlooked endeavor into a gripping narrative about artistry, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.”
Produced by Bees Film House and presented by The New York Times Op-Docs, The Tuners promises to shine a light on those who operate beyond the public eye.
Holland remarked, “The Tuners is a beautiful film celebrating extraordinary music, the love behind it, and the often-overlooked individuals whose expertise and passion make it all possible.”
Producer Joanna Chorzepa expressed her honor at Holland’s involvement, stating, “Her extraordinary body of work and artistic integrity resonates deeply with our film. We hold immense admiration for her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.” Meanwhile, director Pawel Chorzepa emphasized the lasting influence Holland has had on filmmakers worldwide and noted her sensitivity to human stories aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Tuners.
Featuring pianists Jarosław Bednarski, Ortwin Moreau, and Hidemi Okubo, along with executive producer Weronika Milczewska, the film showcases editing by Kosma Kowalczyk and Jakub Darewski, with cinematography led by Pawel Chorzepa and Maciej Kwasniewski.
In his director’s note, Chorzepa reflected on his journey from behind the camera to directing, revealing how the story of the piano tuners resonated with his own experiences of quietly observing and capturing others’ stories. He emphasized, “When I first saw the tuners during the Chopin competition, I initially thought I was simply witnessing craftsmen at work. However, I soon realized that they were creating a world of sound, and the intimate nature of their art was far more profound than mere instrument repair.”
Concluding his thoughts, Chorzepa expressed his desire for the film to be an immersive experience without the use of narration or interviews, allowing audiences to discover this hidden world through visual storytelling. A collaboration with the Fryderyk Chopin Institute enabled access to areas typically unseen by the public, offering a unique glimpse into the competition’s heart.
The Hollywood Reporter is pleased to share an exclusive premiere of the new trailer for The Tuners, inviting viewers to explore this rarely seen sonic universe.
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Agnieszka Holland Boards Short Doc ‘The Tuners’ as Executive Producer
