DIVERTIMENTO

Classical symphonic music is everything for 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani and her twin sister, Fettouma. Nevertheless, living in underprivileged Parisian suburbs in 1995 with their Algerian background, they struggle arduously to approach their dreams – becoming an orchestra conductor and a cellist. Driven by determination, passion, and courage, they create their own orchestra, Divertimento. It will be a game-changer. DIVERTIMENTO is inspired by the life of Zahia Ziouani, one of the few worldwide renown female conductors. Dossier de presse – Divertiment

This is a wonderful, heartwarming, and uplifting film, and the two leads are so engaging – well worth your time at this year’s festival.
My French Life

Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar ‘s powerful seventh feature, Divertimento, plunges us, heart and soul, into the voluptuous world of classical music. At times weaving a rich tapestry of sound and melodies to express what’s going on in her heroine’s head, the film recounts the inspiring, true story of Zahia Ziouani.
The American French Film Festival

I was impressed with Divertimento, even if its seams were showing at times. In the end, this is an uplifting story of resilience. It advances the possibly unpopular notion that talent alone isn’t enough for success; perseverance plays a big part. If you embrace that idea, it delivers a lot to enjoy.
The Blurb

It made me an emotional wreck! It took me through the highs and lows, inflating and deflating me – I was a puppet in its hands, and it pulled all the strings. A joy from beginning to end, it’s very emotive, and had all the ingredients needed to tug at the heartstrings. A wonderful family, a supportive father everyone needs, the underdog story, the cultural divide, societal barriers, assumption and bias and a whole lot more. Mostly, it has a lot of heart, and it will have yours in its hands.
Weekend Notes

• Angoulême Francophone FF- France 2022
• OHLALÀ! Spain 2024 – Ohlalà Teens
• Festival du film Francophone de Grèce – Grèce 2024 – Carte blanche École Louis Lumière
• Odesa International Film Festival -Ukraine – 2023 International Competition

Stony Brook Film Festival

2023 – Winner Special Recognition

• Closing Night Film
• Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar (Director)

Odesa International Film Festival 2023 nominee Golden Duke – International European Competition

• Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar (Director)

CINEMANIA Francophone Film Festival – Canada 2022
Mention spéciale du Jury – « Visages de la Francophonie »