He is one of them: Markus Hinterhäuser, the new director of the Salzburg Festival, is an artist himself. That might be the reason why he communicates so effortless with the protagonists of the festival. To create an in-depth portrait of Hinterhäuser, Bettina Ehrhardt followed the Austrian around the clock, compiling snap-shots of his life. The film accompanies him to the rehearsals for Jedermann, meets renowned artists such as Peter Sellars, Shirin Neshat and William Kentridge and observes how the director solves problems and how he celebrates with his team. On a stroll through Salzburg’s picturesque alleys, Markus Hinterhäuser delivers insight into his past; archive footage brings the flashbacks to life. In the rapid alternation of the documentary scenes, which are punctuated by moments of reflection, the artist and the human Markus Hinterhäuser, reveals himself.
Good Thoughts, Good Word, Good Deeds – The Conductor Zubin Mehta
Zubin Mehta is one of the world`s leading conductors. Born and raised in India, he is a brilliant symbol of today`s cross-cultural world and a living proof of the power of music to bridge different cultures and to break social and political barriers. On the occasion of Zubin Mehta’s 80th birthday, Filmmaker Bettina Ehrhardt creates a tender homage to this exceptional artist, who is Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic as well as the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Conductor Laureate of the Bayerisches Staatsorchester, the Münchner Philharmoniker and the Wiener Philharmoniker. The film deals with an artist loved by audiences and musicians alike because he radiates warmth and humanity, in both his music and his life.