"Everyone, especially women, must have the confidence to create their own definition of success, and design lives that don't force us to choose between personal dreams and professional ones." ~ Tatiana Berman

    FORTE gives us real people, balancing real-life issues – relationships, parenting, careers – as women in the male-dominated classical music industry. Their world requires constant practice, extensive travel and intense artistic focus, all in the face of unrelenting competitive pressure and demand for perfection.
    Written and directed by David Donnelly, known for his dedication, imagination and skill in capturing the performing arts, FORTE doesn't feel like a typical 'talking heads' doc, because it's not.
    Filmed in Cincinnati, New York and seven other countries – Argentina, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Russia, and the United Kingdom, Dan Marque's fluid cinematography moves us through cityscapes, countrysides, family homes and concert halls, in an unhurried, relevant and eye-pleasing fashion. The score and performance segments affirm the virtuosity of the principal subjects.
    Donnelly tells the inspiring stories of three remarkable women, each pursuing their dreams of excellence in their own way, on their own terms:
   • Russian-born American (and Cincinnati resident) Tatiana Berman juggles family and dual careers as a violinist and arts entrepreneur.
   • A first-generation American from Argentina now living in New York, Lucía Caruso is finding world-wide success as a composer and pianist, especially with development of her Transclassical approach.
   • At 29, Norwegian Eldbjørg Hemsing is a rising star on the European scene – known for her ability to connect with audiences, charismatic performances and focus on the folk and traditional music of Norway.
    As each woman breaks down barriers, their distinct personal stories reveal the common bonds of talent, dedication, courage and strength. There is a lesson here for everyone, of perseverance and following dreams, within and outside the world of performing arts.

UNIQUE EXTRAS
   • An ensemble cast, comprised entirely of women, a rarity in the documentary genre.
   • One of Forte's subject characters, Lucía Caruso, composes the music for this film, including the scenes that involve herself. And, we watch as she creates arrangements and conducts the orchestra recording the soundtrack. "Her creative journey of writing the score becomes part of the story. I have never seen anything like this in a documentary," says director David Donnelly.
   • We meet the artists' families, visit their homes, and view photos from family archives showing us the protagonists as young performers.
   • FORTE co-producer and artist representative Anastasia Boudanoque appears on-screen as a guide in the film, sharing insight into the classical music industry and what it takes to succeed as a female artist.