Fandango, portrait of an opera workshop, a film directed by Manno Lanssens, centers around the art of opera and emphasizes the importance of people singing in times of despair, as well as throughout their lives. The film features the talents of opera singing, and focuses on the teaching of Joy Bechtler, founder of the Operanauts, an organization founded to mentor people impacted by trauma and support their healing by teaching them the art of opera. The film emphasizes the interconnectedness of different forms of music, inspires the viewer by showcasing the talented singers who go through the program, and centers around the impact that the arts can have on people, including in times of hardship.
The film emphasizes the importance and interconnection of different forms of music. Throughout the film, the program’s singers are interviewed and speak about their experience with lyrical and classical music in the past. The singers remark fondly of their experiences with music, appearing to be extremely fulfilled and inspired. It is emphasized that while they were not previously exposed to much opera, they felt intrigued by the classical music they experienced throughout their lives, which later piqued their interest in opera. One of the program’s singers, named Mirphyle Kapinga, is shown talking about how her exposure to classical music began when her mother was a professional ballet dancer. Another singer, Dorcas Nende, remarks how she first learned about classical music in her church. Hearing how other forms of classical music opened these singers to experiencing the exquisite world of opera, offers an intriguing view of the interconnectedness of all forms of music, and how each form has its own important imprint on the world.
The passion and dedication of the talented singers who journey through the Operanuts program such as Junior Yakusa, Mirphyle Kapinga, Doreas Nende, Marie-Elaine Kazadi, Eddy Lukua and many others, are an inspiring element of the film. Throughout Fandango, the dedication and hard work that the singers put into their art is showcased. There are many shots of them practicing, warming up, and singing together in workshops led by Joy Bechtler. At the end of the film, each singer's perseverance is recognized when, following their inspiring performances, the audience's applause as their reward. In an interview, the singer Eddy Lukau tells us how his ultimate dream is to become an opera singer. Seeing the pureness and innocent intent behind these singers reaching their goals, the viewer feels a sense of heartwarming inspiration that gives them a feeling that they too can achieve their dreams.
Fandango also centers around the important impact that the arts can have on people, including in times of hardship. Joy Bechtler, the founder of Operanauts, emphasizes that the group was created to give support to the people of Congo during a time of hardship and further throughout their lives. Bechtler explains that her family members were mostly doctors, and as an opera singer herself, she wondered what she could do to help the people of Congo. Finally, she realized that perhaps the community would appreciate it if she brought opera to them because she believed that would help process trauma and find fulfillment. Operanauts started in 2013. This outreach program emphasizes the importance of artistic expression of music and the happiness it can give someone in their life.
Fandango is an inspiring artistic film that focuses on opera and its relationship to other forms of music. The film offers a heartwarming perspective of up-and-coming opera singers, whose passion for their art is palpable and inspiring to the viewer. Further, Fandango emphasizes the importance of music during difficult times in life and reminds the viewer how important artistic expression is. The film functions as a great reminder of the importance of enjoying life to the fullest, even in times of despair. The film is truly a joy to watch and will be enjoyed by many viewers.
Fandango, portrait of an opera workshop will be playing at the Fall 2023 New Jersey Film Festival on Friday, September 8 – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM as part of a triple bill with Emily Goodchild experimental film To Understand An Anemone and John Evans and Ani Javian’s experimental dance film Breaking The Surface. For more info and to buy tickets go here.
