Private Project

Mozart in Nairobi. Or something like that.

“Mozart in Nairobi. Or something like that” is an essay film project by Carla Schwering, Veit Vergara and Julian Wipplinger and stimulates a dialogue between seemingly different worlds, while seeing music as a bridge bypassing their separation.

It tells the story of a group of imprisoned women while their children are left behind in the slums or different parts of the city Nairobi/Kenya.
The perimeter of the Nest Foundation, becomes the stage for a dialogue between people with different backgrounds, mixed cultures and various musical trends. Dances, choirs and the simple act of imitation one another’s reaction to music surpass the first barriers of shyness and diffidence: notes play out loud and blend with the environment. W. A. Mozart's Sonata in E flat major (KV 282) acts as the supporting actor in what could be seen as a film where every person plays a main role.

The structure of the film is based on the first movement of the Sonata, which with its two different themes - each representing one of the two groups of people: the imprisoned mothers and the children separated from them - builds a further bridge in the forced separation of family members.

  • Carla Schwering
    Director
  • Carla Schwering
    Producer
  • Julian Wipplinger
    Director of Photography
  • Veit Vergara
    Sound editor
  • Veit Vergara
    Music
  • Julian Wipplinger
    Final Cut
  • Cordelia Höfer-Teutsch
    Musical implementation
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 2, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Austria
  • Country of Filming:
    Kenya
  • Language:
    English, Swahili
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Frame rate: 25fps
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Mozarteum Universtity
  • Juvinale Salzburg
    Salzburg
    Austria
    October 13, 2023
Distribution Information
  • Spot-On Mozart
    Distributor
    Country: Austria
    Rights: All Rights
Director - Carla Schwering