MARTINS' PASSION

Gold Winner of the 17th Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels in Biarritz, France

Martins' Passion is a new documentary by German film director Irene Langemann about Brazil 's celebrated star pianist João Carlos Martins . Any screenwriter would be hard pressed to invent a life story as incredible as that of Martins. His long career has been marked by tremendous successes and demoralizing tragedies. In the early sixties, Martins, who played soccer as passionately as he played the piano, was celebrated one of his generation's finest interpreters of Bach's music.

At the height of his early fame, a disastrous injury threatened to end his career. For decades, comebacks alternated with setbacks. In the late nineties, after his career seemed to be ending when he had to undergo surgery to sever the nerves of his right hand, Martins decided to attempt a comeback with his left hand only. Learning some of finest repertory for the left hand, he set a comeback date with a renowned orchestra, when inconceivable disaster struck again, when a tumor was discovered on his left hand.

This documentary accompanies João Carlos Martins during his darkest hours, tracing the early triumphs and dramatic events of his life. Unique film sequences from his childhood and early years enrich the story. Conversations with his friends the soccer genius Pelé and legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck provide moments of bliss. And in the end, a small miracle occurs.

A film about a man who never gives up and remains true to his passion – music.