Opinion & Analysis

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-21 15:01:16

Canadian filmmaker Larry Weinstein hopes his recent documentary will inspire viewers to prioritize compassion over animosity.

The documentary follows nine individuals as they grapple with the message of hope in Beethoven's 9th symphony

Larry Weinstein desires that viewers of his documentary, Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity, find solace and inspiration in the composer's renowned symphony, mirroring his own experience. Weinstein believes Ludwig van Beethoven's 200-year-old Symphony No. 9 conveys a message of optimism for humankind despite pervasive adversity. The Toronto-based director's latest documentary chronicled the journey of eight individuals – including Ukrainian musicians, a hearing-impaired composer, and a celebrated cartoonist – as they explored the symphony's message of hope. However, a personal tragedy intervened. The October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, including Weinstein's sister, Judih Weinstein, profoundly impacted him. Instead of abandoning the project, Weinstein chose to integrate his own emotional odyssey into the documentary. Canadian-Israeli Judih Weinstein perished in the October 7th attack, according to the kibbutz. "The piece's message sustained me," Weinstein recounted. "The synchronicity of these horrific events unfolding while I was creating a film about optimism and enlightenment was astounding. I relied on it for support." Weinstein was presented with the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression's (CJFE) Integrity Award on Tuesday for his work on the film. The award recognizes individuals who, as stated on the CJFE website, "have demonstrated exceptional bravery in the public interest, selflessly risking personal and professional repercussions."

In a world increasingly fractured by ideological divides and echo chambers, Larry's film, embracing Beethoven's Ninth's message of universal kinship, facilitates dialogue, encourages empathy, and ultimately, counteracts hatred," CJFE co-president Michelle Shephard stated in an email. Carol Off, a former As It Happens host, also serves as CJFE co-president. Weinstein discussed the award's significance and the message of reconciliation he aims to convey with As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Excerpts from their discussion follow: Larry, how did this particular musical composition guide you through the film's production and your profound personal loss? This composition, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, is deeply resonant. It profoundly inspired Beethoven towards the end of his life. He encountered Friedrich Schiller's poem, Ode to Joy, at age 15, envisioning its musical adaptation. In his youth, the world appeared more promising, with prevailing beliefs in progress, humanism, science, and reason. However, societal rigidity, corrupt and authoritarian leadership, and increasingly restrictive religious dogma eroded these ideals. This prompted him to compose this piece, which I perceive as a testament to humanity and a letter to the future.