The film Heliopolis (The Violin Teacher) by Brazilian Director Sergio Machado won no award, but much international attention at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. In this film which might recall ‘El Sistema’ models, favela kids play music under the direction of Laerte, a talented violinist, who has to give music lessons to teenagers at Heliopolis’ public school after failing to be admitted to the Sao Paulo State Symphony Orchestra. Despite the difficulties, the transforming power of music and the friendship arising between the professor and his students open the doors to a new world.

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