Registration REQUIRED by 4pm on March 31, 2026 in order to attend this event.
Please join the East Central European Center and the Harriman Institute for a screening of “Pianoforte” (2023), with an introductory lecture by Tony H. Lin. The post-screening discussion will be moderated by Christopher Caes and Cindy Sang. The event is part of the East Central European Center’s Spring 2026 film screening and lecture series: After 2020: New Directions in Polish Cinema. This series explores how Polish artists, filmmakers, and cultural initiatives have responded to sociopolitical issues in Poland and beyond.
"Pianoforte" (2023) is an award-winning documentary about the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, one of the world’s most prestigious classical music events held every five years. Focusing on several contestants, the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at how young pianists prepare for—and cope with—the musical equivalent of the Olympics. In pursuit of musical glory, the performers undergo a process that is both inspiring and demoralizing, as only one competitor can ultimately win. Lin's remarks explore the founding of the Chopin Competition in 1927 and its storied history of launching some of the most renowned pianists of our time. Drawing on his experience attending the competition on multiple occasions and speaking with contestants, he reflects on themes of discipline, pressure, and resilience as participants confront both triumph and disappointment.
Please email [email protected] to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
