An interview with the Director of Between the Notes, screening at the 2024 Mosaic World Film Festival.
The long-awaited documentary on the life and career of world-renowned pianist Hélène Grimaud. Directed and produced by David Serero in partnership with the Deutsche Grammophon label, this captivating film offers an intimate look into the life of this exceptional artist and the challenges she faced throughout her journey through unique interviews.
1. What drew you to create this film?
I’ve always admired the single individuals who changed the game in their industry and the world. Helene Grimaud, for instance, brought a new, modern image to the female classical pianist. I’ve always been curious about what was in her mind and how she broke the mystery of her incredible genius. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing several icons of the classical world, such as Yannick Nézet-Seguin and Bryn Terfel. I wanted to share with the masses the world of the piano, the dedication it requires, and the humanity involved in classical music. I wanted to make a movie for all the pianists and classical musicians, but also for those who do not know anything about it. Recently, the film played at AMC movie theater on 42nd Street in New York, the same week that Taylor Swift and Beyoncé released their movies. Having a classical pianist among these big names was a victory for me. I had the honor of collaborating with the legendary recording label Deutsche Grammophon, and we definitely broke the line of classical music documentaries. I hope more collaborations with them will follow.
2. What does filmmaking mean to you?
I am fascinated by all the little points that make a painting, all these moments that bring a story that can last forever. I come from the theater world and love having material that can stay and that you can revisit many years later instead of an ephemeral performance. It allows me to meet and sit with people I wouldn’t have met in the immediate future. It’s also a way to print something that will stay for eternity. I realized that I take and learn from the person I am interviewing as I enter their soul and world. So I benefit so much as a person as well. I love that films can travel through a simple link; that’s magical and has no boundaries.
3. What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
You have many possibilities, and there are no excuses for not making something. You can make a movie with your phone, tell a story, and put hard work and time into it. Learn all the aspects of filmmaking, especially editing, that will significantly help you. Then, show your films individually for testing before you release them, and write all critics and notes so you can adjust the movie based on them. Don’t be too much in a rush to show your film; wait until it’s perfect.
4. What films do you watch again and again?
Mine (laughs). I love classics such as Goodfellas and Casino. They are masterclasses in filmmaking and storytelling.
Thank you David!
You can get tickets for the #2024mwff here: https://filmfreeway.com/MosaicWorldFilmFestival/tickets