CEN1-08. On a String

US, Feature Film, 2025, 78 min

In this funny and entertaining film, a young violist and recent Juilliard grad is barely scraping by, playing gigs that drag her into the chaotic personal lives of strangers. Her string quartet thrives as professional wallflowers, performing at weddings, funerals, and any gig that pays. But when her toxic ex-boyfriend reappears (coincidentally the Philharmonic’s “hottest new cellist”) he drops news of a viola opening in the prestigious orchestra. Determined to audition, she dives in, until her focus derails thanks to rapidly fading ambition, awkward romantic entanglements and a parade of bizarre gigs. Trying to juggle career, love, and sanity, she discovers that classical music and chaos go hand in hand — and that life is hilariously unpredictable. Starring Isabel Hagen, Dylan Baker, Ling Ling Huang, Frederick Weller, Jamie Lee, Eric Bogosian.

Directed by Isabel Hagen

Colorado Premiere