Crossing Rachmaninoff

This documentary follows Auckland-based, Italian-born pianist Flavio Villani as he prepares to play Sergei Rachmaninoff’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 2 in Italy — his debut performance as a soloist with an orchestra. Director Rebecca Tansley, who funded much of the documentary herself, tails Villani from four months before the recital that will challenge the prodigal son to affirm his career choice and sexuality, in front of his Italian ex-military father. When it debuted at the 2015 Auckland Film Festival, Crossing Rachmaninoff won a standing ovation.

The film is about following a dream when it’s really hard, when you have to question yourself and keep on going. That was Flavio doing the concert, that was Rachmaninoff writing the piece, and to be honest, that was me making the film.

– Director Rebecca Tansley, in Metro magazine, 10 July 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Simon Raby

Camera Operator, Cinematographer

Rebecca Tansley

Director, Producer

Thomas Gleeson

Editor

Mike Westgate

Location Sound Mixer

Tim Storey

Executive Producer

Domenico Di Ruocco

Camera Operator - Italy