On the Soul Train!
Maestra @ Port Jefferson Documentary Series
november 6, 2023
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“In Friday’s (6/2) Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA), Margaret Roarty writes, “At the end of 2021, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Music Director Mélisse Brunet was invited to Paris to compete in La Maestra, the only international competition for female conductors. Brunet, a native of Paris, was one of 14 finalists—out of more than 200 applicants from around the world—who competed against each other for the chance to win several cash prizes, as well as personalized, professional support and mentoring. Brunet’s experience, along with that of her fellow contestants, is chronicled in the documentary film ‘Maestra,’ directed by Maggie Contreras, which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 9 in New York City…. The film details the daily obstacles female conductors face while trying to find success in a field that has, historically, had little room for them…. In 2016, according to the League of American Orchestras, 14.6% of U.S orchestra conductors at all levels were women. Only 9.2% had the title of music director. Even women who do manage to break the mold continue to face rampant sexism.” Brunet is also music director of the Lexington Philharmonic in Kentucky.” LAO, June 5th, 2023
Since 2005, under the auspices of Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, the Port Jefferson Documentary Series has presented many of the most notable and acclaimed documentary films made in the United States and around the world, often fresh from award-winning appearances at leading film festivals.
The volunteer members of the Port Jefferson Documentary Series screen scores of top films every season in order to select just seven that strike them as important, compelling and – to put it simply – worth seeing. At the conclusion of each film, directors, producers or other “in the know” guest speakers lead a Q&A with audience members. Venues include the historic Theatre Three in downtown Port Jefferson Village, and The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Keep current with the Port Jefferson Documentary Series by joining our mailing list. Don’t miss an evening at Long Island’s top documentary film series.