Followed by Q&A with the director Sheila Hayman

Take a celebrated musical genius, sibling rivalry, an unknown manuscript, some very persistent research and one sensational revelation, and what have you got? Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn – the documentary from BAFTA-winning director Sheila Hayman that features global Decca star, Isata Kanneh-Mason.

The film reveals the extraordinary story of Fanny, a composer long sidelined to her famous brother Felix by the guardians of classical music, who despite being forbidden a musical career persevered, composing 450 works in her short life. Fanny’s lost masterpiece, ‘The Easter Sonata’, is brought to life by virtuoso pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason.

As she explores the music, the parallels between her life and Fanny’s become clear - including the challenge of being a pioneer with few role models in classical music. As moving as it is joyous, and shot on location in Berlin, New York, London, Oxford and Buckingham Palace, Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn is the story of a very modern woman – who just happened to live 200 years ago.

Director
Sheila Hayman

Date of release
2023

Running time
97 min

Rating
PG

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Language
English