Friedman and Epstein have become treasured musicologists, first with their loving biography Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019) and then with Taylor Mac’s 24-decade History of Popular Music (2022). Now, they turn their cameras towards Cuba, profiling four students at the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory. Though it has long been the nation’s most prestigious music school in a music-crazy nation, the conservatory struggles to maintain instruments for their students. Enter Horns to Havana, a New York-based initiative that brings parts and instrument-repair expertise to the island. Epstein and Friedman spent four years following four recipients of Horns to Havana instruments: Kevin, Lili, Rodrigo and Dariana. Though they come from widely divergent backgrounds, each shares a driving ambition to grow as a musician, even as daily life in Cuba becomes more challenging.

“This film is about the importance of music and art in people’s lives and how it can give meaning and purpose to our lives, and you can really see it in these young musicians who are so devoted to their craft. There are great connections to Cuban music and New Orleans music, and we try to reflect that in the film,” Friedman said.

Musica! world-premiered at the recent Telluride Film Festival.

“Joyful…an intimate portrait of some remarkable formative talents.” – Mill Valley Film Festival

Tickets available at the door or online.

For more info or to see a trailer, go here.