They Came to Play

Directed by Alex Rotaru, 91 min. NR

Every year, the Van Cliburn Association hosts an international piano contest specifically for amateurs. This documentary showcases some of the people who compete in the endeavor, many of whom face remarkable struggles in order to do so. There are AIDS patients, drug addicts, and political refugees who not only survive their circumstances, but use their experiences to breathe life into their music. “The proficiency they display at the keyboard is thrilling to see; whatever your own hobby is, you are likely to be awed by how much better these people are at theirs.” —Neil Genzlinger, NY Times