Director: Marianela Maldonado Producer: Luisa De La Ville
Description:
Children of Las Brisas is a story of resistance, resilience and perseverance that explores the power of discipline and classical music as tools for survival. The documentary follows three Venezuelan children from the impoverished Las Brisas neighborhood, in their quest to become professional musicians within the ranks of “El Sistema'' music program. Throughout a decade, Edixon, Dissandra and Wuilly try to achieve a better future as they face the great challenges of the country’s dire situation.The Venezuelan crisis makes it impossible for them to accomplish their dreams and in their struggle, they represent a society taken over by an autocratic regime.
Biography:
Marianela Maldonado: Upon graduating from the NFTS in the UK, Marianela wrote and directed several short fiction films, including The Look of Happiness and Breaking Out, both premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. As a screenwriter, Marianela co-wrote Peter and the Wolf (Oscar Winner), Unmade Beds, The Flying Machine and The Magic Piano (shortlisted for the 2012 Oscars). She also participated in the prestigious Cannes Writing Residency, where she wrote The Other Girl, currently in development. As a documentary filmmaker, she worked for BBC Mundo and co-wrote Once upon a Time in Venezuela, premiered at Sundance.
Luisa De La Ville is a Venezuelan filmmaker based in NYC with over 35 years of experience. She worked in films such as Taita Boves, El Enemigo, Al borde de la línea and Plan B. She was also an AD in international films such as: Arachnophobia; Tom Shadyac's Dragonfly; Bayley Silleck's Lost Worlds; and in many Venezuelan films, such as: Azul y no tan rosa, by Miguel Ferrari; Tres bellezas; Ellipsis; Una vida y dos mandados, by Alberto Arvelo and Oriana, by Fina Torres (Cannes Award, 1984).
