Bernstein’s Wall

USA, Feature Documentary, 2021, 100 min

Douglas Tirola’s thrilling documentary portrait of famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein expertly tells the story of an immigrant son who became a phenom as the visionary and exuberant conductor of the New York Philharmonic, and composer of one of the most thrilling orchestral works ever heard on Broadway, West Side Story. For decades, he was the face of classical music for the nation. Bernstein joyfully responded to the clamor of his times, matching his passion for music with an unyielding commitment to political engagement while, as Tirola reveals, wrestling with what he called "the demons" of his hidden sexuality. We see Bernstein as a tireless participant in the anti-war and civil rights movements and a factor in the de-escalation of tensions between the US and USSR. Incredibly, Tirola uses Bernstein’s own voice almost exclusively to turn the maestro’s life story into a call to action for artists and the people that believe in the arts to create change in our society today ,with the goal of bringing freedom and respect to all people.

Directed by Douglas Tirola

Boulder Premiere