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Aspen, CO (August 2, 2022) Aspen Film is pleased to screen an encore presentation of CONDUCTING LIFE, a short documentary that was shown at Aspen Film’s Oscar®-qualifying 2022 Shortsfest in April. Created by Aspen-based director Diane Moore, this special screening takes place at Aspen’s Isis Theatre on August 17, starting at 5 PM. The film is 30 minutes long and there will be a conversation afterwards with the subject of the film, conductor Roderick Cox, and director Moore. 

Filmed over seven years, CONDUCTING LIFE follows the improbable journey of Cox and his quest to succeed in the highly competitive field of orchestral conducting, a profession that has traditionally overlooked musicians of color like Cox. CONDUCTING LIFE has been accepted into 15 film festivals, with more acceptances anticipated. The film won an award from the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Ophelia Short Film Award.

 

As the director, producer, and executive producer of CONDUCTING LIFE, Moore assembled the creative team and assisted with the film funding, taking Cox’s story from conceptualization to finished film. CONDUCTING LIFE was produced under the Elk Mountain Productions banner. In 2013, Moore met Cox and spent the next seven years following him on his musical journey to locations in the U.S. and Europe. The result is CONDUCTING LIFE. Moore also co-produced STORY SWAP, a documentary that premiered at the Aspen Ideas Festival and was subsequently screened at several film festivals.

 

Cox states, “Aspen will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where my journey to become a conductor met its most intense training. CONDUCTING LIFE captures much of that training and a crucial process of my development as a musician. I am happy to return eight years after my time as a student to not only share my story by way of this documentary film, but also to share music with the community at the Aspen Music Festival.” 

 

“Aspen Film was proud to present Diane Moore’s CONDUCTING LIFE at our Oscar®-qualifying Shortsfest back in April. When Diane offered us the opportunity to show the film again when conductor Roderick Cox would be in town, we jumped at the opportunity,” explains Aspen Film Executive + Artistic Director, Susan Wrubel. “Having Diane and Roderick in person for a post-screening conversation elevates this film and deepens the experience for our music-loving viewers, in advance of Cox’s conducting at Aspen Musical Festival on August 19.”

Moore explains, “Music was the inspiration behind CONDUCTING LIFE. The film celebrates how music can change a life as it captures the highs and lows of Roderick Cox on his musical journey to the conductor’s podium, including his time as a student at the Aspen Music Festival & School. It’s exciting to share this film with the Aspen community during the summer music season as listening to music in the Benedict tent evoked a range of emotions for me and influenced my decision to reach out to Roderick and create CONDUCTING LIFE.”

Michael Andor Brodeur from the Washington Post writes: “Roderick Cox, a young firebrand conductor has been lighting up podiums around the world. The filmmaker Diane Moore recently released “Conducting Life,” a short documentary charting seven years of the Georgia-born, Berlin-based conductor’s insistently upward trajectory. His turn in front of the National Symphony Orchestra was one of the most exciting drop-ins from a guest conductor I’ve experienced yet.”(April 8, 2022)

In a review by arts and culture writer Andrew Travers, Travers remarks: “Conducting Life,” a new short documentary by Aspen filmmaker Diane Moore, profiles Cox through his rise. The film tracks Cox’s unlikely trajectory from a hardscrabble childhood in Georgia to his current status as one of the most in-demand and acclaimed orchestra conductors in the world.  Moore’s film, an inspiring and fascinating portrait of the artist as a young man, underscores that all of Cox’s success is the result of absolute dedication to the work.” (Aspen Times April 7, 2022)

Director Background & Statement from Diane Moore

TICKETS
Suggested Donation of $10; Free for students. 

Available for purchase August 2nd at https://aspenfilm.org/conducting-life/

Aspen Film memberships can be purchased at www.aspenfilm.org/aspen-film-membership/

ABOUT ASPEN FILM:

Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest (September 27-October 2, 2022), Academy Screenings (December 19-23, 2022), Aspen Shortsfest (April 10-15, 2023), Summer of Cinema, and FilmEducates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. Aspen Shortsfest was voted one of the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World 2022 by Moviemaker Magazine. To learn more, visit aspenfilm.org.

 

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PRESS CONTACT:

Lea Tucker

303.641.4370

lea@lucyleatucker.net