As the next event in the "Film in the Theater" series, the StattKino initiative is showing the culture clash comedy "Bach in Brazil" in cooperation with the municipal cultural office on Friday, 17 February 2023*), at 7.30 pm in the Idar-Oberstein Municipal Theatre. In it, an ageing music teacher from Bückeburg finds a new purpose in Ouro Preto, Brazil. It is the story of a man and his love of Bach's music, a battle with his own demons and, above all, a story about friendship.
As a retired music teacher, Marten Brückling (Edgar Seige) doesn't have it easy. There are no engagements and his German homeland doesn't really offer much fulfillment in old age. He doesn't like to travel either, especially not long distances by plane. However, when he receives the news one day that a childhood friend who emigrated to Brazil has bequeathed him an original and very valuable sheet of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, he is forced to make the long journey to the South American country to receive the musical treasure. However, this first requires the persuasive skills of his colleague Marianne, as the travel-shy man is actually in the middle of rehearsals for a Bach music festival.
Once he arrives at his destination, he receives the sheet music and is almost on his way home again when all his belongings - including his papers and sheet music - are stolen, meaning that he cannot return to Germany for the time being. The only person who offers him help in this situation is Candido (Aldri da Anunciação), who speaks German and works in a juvenile detention center.
In return, however, Marten is supposed to give music lessons to the young inmates of the prison. Out of necessity, he agrees and of course teaches Bach instead of samba - after all, Marten is more familiar with classical music than rhythmic sounds. But the youngsters surprise him with improvised pieces and the typical Brazilian sense of rhythm. Over time, he makes friends with his situation, which was born out of necessity, and soon realizes how much joy and passion he encounters from the children. Marten also finds a new approach to music for himself and suddenly begins to feel at home in the small Brazilian town. Then, out of nowhere, his luggage reappears and Marten's old life calls out to him.
Director Ansgar Ahlers skillfully depicts the development of Marten, who is portrayed sensitively and convincingly by Edgar Selge. The relationship he builds up with the children, who seem to have no prospects, is just as lovingly told as the enthusiasm the children develop for Bach's music over time. The clash of cultures also provides amusing moments, but also makes us think about the conditions in which the children grow up. Ahlers succeeds in creating a character study of Marten on the one hand and a tribute to Bach's magnificent music on the other. A film for the heart and soul, but above all a plea for intercultural thinking and overcoming prejudices.
- Admission is from 7 p.m. and costs 4 euros. Tickets can only be purchased at the box office, advance reservations are not possible. The Cultural Office would like to point out that due to energy-saving measures, the temperature in the Stadttheater is limited to 19 degrees Celsius.