Facing the Music (2002)

Synopsis: A documentary about the music department of Australia's Sydney University, FACING THE MUSIC follows Anne Boyd, a contemporary composer and music teacher who is struggling to come to terms with the... A documentary about the music department of Australia's Sydney University, FACING THE MUSIC follows Anne Boyd, a contemporary composer and music teacher who is struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking news that the government has cut its funding to the school, causing the professors to significantly reduce the current curriculum. As the film begins, Boyd is attending a meeting of a professors' union, where a decision has been reached to strike on the first day of the new semester. Boyd refuses to accept this plan, citing the way that it will absolutely crush the dreams of the new students, who have been awaiting this important day all their lives. The competitive and rigorous classical music department at Sydney University only accepts the cream of the crop, and these young musicians feel extremely privileged to study there. To Boyd, the strike, and salary cuts, and being overworked mean nothing in comparison to what her students stand to lose in terms of learning. She has a positively intoxicating hope and enthusiasm for these young people who will become future composers and performers and is determined to fill them with wisdom and propel them toward greatness. However, as the situation with the university's budget worsens, and the other faculty turn against Boyd as head of her department, her unflinching spirit suffers a blow. FACING THE MUSIC is a beautiful, moving, inspirational film full of dramatic lectures delivered by Boyd, heartwarming tutorial sessions with some of her hardworking students, and incredible musical interludes performed by students at the university. [More]

Starring: Anne Boyd

Starring: Anne Boyd

Director: Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson

Director: Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson
Screenwriter: Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson
Producer: Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson

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