The Untold Struggle Behind the Baton

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Maestra
–

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Maggie Contreras
Writer(s): Neil Berkeley
Language: English & Greek with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, will open in New York at the Angelika Film Center in NYC on May 24, 2024, with an LA release to follow on June 7 at the Laemmle Royal with a VOD date to follow later this year.

RAVING REVIEW: This is MAESTRA, a soul-stirring documentary visualized symphony orchestrated by Maggie Contreras. At its core, it paints a vivid picture of five remarkable women who dare to challenge the status quo and vie for their rightful place in the largely male-dominated domain of orchestral conducting. Their ability matches or exceeds that of others in the predominantly male-only career; how far would you go for your dreams?

Contreras expertly frames the narrative across five vastly different landscapes – Greece, Ukraine, Poland, America, and France. Each story is a nuanced portrayal of a woman driven by her passion for music. An inspiring Greek mother instilling the power of dreams in her twins, a resilient Ukrainian artist holding on to her creative spirit amid chaos, a tenacious Polish newcomer ready to storm the stage, an American wrestling with motherhood choices, and a relentless French woman confronting a city that had rejected her once – these form the riveting ensemble that is MAESTRA.

MAESTRA is more than a motion picture; it’s a commentary on society and gender biases. It avoids the clichéd melodrama of fierce competition, instead choosing to craft a heartfelt narrative where the lines between rivals blur, giving way to a profound bond that resonates with shared experiences and dreams. Showing that although this diverse group of women is competing for a coveted role, they are all still part of the same team.

This isn’t just another race-to-the-finish story; the spotlight doesn’t solely rest on the competition’s outcome. Instead, it illuminates each woman’s journey, enhancing the narrative’s depth and intensifying the viewer’s anticipation of what is to come. This slow-burn approach to storytelling, akin to a well-orchestrated symphony, invites you to engage with each character, making every revelation feel personal.

MAESTRA, at times, feels like a window into Contreras’ soul. From fond childhood memories to life-altering experiences, Contreras pulls elements of her life into the film, transforming it into a visual memoir that resonates with viewers personally. But the real power of MAESTRA lies in its portrayal of women’s ongoing struggles across various sectors. While it salutes the women who brave the battle against these societal norms, it doesn’t shy away from exposing the ugly truth about gender discrimination and the fight against gender-based violence. This striking exploration sets the film apart, enabling it to reverberate far beyond the music industry.

MAESTRA explores deep into the systemic sexism and biases plaguing many industries. It lays bare the women’s individual and collective journeys within bringing to light their fights against inequality. The competition merely serves as a canvas for these powerful narratives to unfold, celebrating not just victories but the indomitable spirit of each woman. MAESTRA emerges as a beacon of resilience and hopes in a world where women’s rights are increasingly under siege. It’s a compelling testament to women’s tireless quest for equity, inclusion, and recognition. But its reach extends beyond their trials and triumphs. It captures the essence of the human journey, beautifully crafting a narrative of hope, joy, and triumph against adversity. The film ultimately parallels the issues facing half the world’s population today; women are fighting for their place even in first-world nations.

Contreras’ MAESTRA leaves an indelible mark on the sands of cinema, and the fight for these rights, as told through five incredible women’s stories. It showcases human ambition and perseverance while eloquently critiquing societal norms. I could have watched an individual feature-length documentary on each woman’s journey. I feel like there was still so much more to be told. An almost 80% female crew proudly created this film.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of BRKLY/FOOTHILL PRODUCTIONS/MPRM COMMUNICATIONS]