In the brilliant new documentary film Mrs. Carey’s Concert, now playing at the Victoria Film Festival, Karen Carey is the director of music at the all-girls MLC School in Sydney, Australia. She does what it takes to inspire her students, to rouse some passion into their performances.
Directors Bob Connelly and Sophie Raymond take us on a two-year journey in their first collaboration. This documentary is edited for effortless viewing. Not a lot of thinking is involved when watching Mrs. Carey’s Concert; it’s all emotion.
This feel-good documentary superbly captures the young students and teachers in their natural state and gives the audience an inside look at the ups and downs of preparing a concert.
In the spotlight is Emily Sun, magnificent violinist and slack student, who’s selected to perform a difficult solo in the concert. Then there’s Iris Shi, the rebellious student who’d rather mouth off than sing.
Mrs. Carey’s challenge is to have these girls give an optimal performance. The struggles are real, and the rewards are worth it.
What’s most impressive is how seamlessly Connelly and Raymond condensed two years into 90 minutes, and made it good.
The musical talent is extraordinary. These girls are going places; Mrs. Carey is making sure of that.
Mrs. Carey’s Concert will play at 6:45 pm on February 12 at the Capital 6 theatre.