Divertimento at Luna

Lina El Arabi (as cellist Fettouma Ziouali (middle in photo), Divertimento
Photo Credit: Divertimento

As we headed towards Windsor Cinema on a coolish winter’s evening, my friend and I were looking forward to watching the French movie Divertimento.

Two young teenage sisters of Algerian descent (aspiring conductor Zahia and cellist Fettouma) – are both passionate musicians talented enough to join the exclusive classical symphonic musical scene in Paris. Thrown into a different world compared to their upbringing out in the suburbs as part of an Algerian family, this beautiful movie tells the inspirational story of their rise to success in the classical musical scene.

Confronting a stiff and unbending approach from musical bureaucracy and its academics, chauvinism and taunting from their peers, this film is testament to making your dreams come true despite setbacks and adversity along the path to success.

The movie interestingly traverses across many themes – such as inclusion, sibling and family unity and strength, inspiring youth making a difference in their community, and the challenges of being a female professional classical musician.

Movie goers who enjoy a feel good and uplifting movie will enjoy Director Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar’s latest as she goes from strength to strength in bringing her ideas to life on screen with the dual themes of feminism and positivism.

Divertimento will tug at your heartstrings as you barrack for these young talented stars, whilst enjoying the classical musical pieces performed by the orchestra throughout the movie. 

Clocking in at under 2 hours, be swept away by the inspiring story of Divertimento – based on the life of Zahia Ziouani – one of the few renowned female conductors in the world.

Divertimento opens at Luna Palace Cinemas on Thursday 20 June.

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