AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS 2009

A star performer of the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir, 14-year-old Jorgis leads his peers with charming confidence and lifts the entire choir’s spirit with his generous smile. When his voice suddenly begins to change, Jorgis must decide when and how to make an unexpected yet graceful exit.

Filmmaker Q&A

Introduce yourself:
I am 29, grew up in Copenhagen, went to choir school and have played music since I was little. I studied sociology and anthropology for 4 years at university and will graduate from the documentary department at The National Film School of Denmark this June. Since 2001 I have been making documentaries and music videos.   

What inspired this film? How did you find your subjects?
I used to sing in a boys choir myself. I loved singing and loved being a part of something big. The choir toured through most of Europe with me as one of the soloists. Unfortunately, one day my voice started to break and I had to leave the choir. I found myself in the first crisis of my life. I felt I lost my whole identity, and being 14 years old with no voice and pimples on my face didn't seem attractive at all. 

When I was 21, I started to make films. One of the stories I wanted to tell was the one of the boy singer who looes his voice. So when I found Jorgis, I felt it was the perfect chance to make the film about him, a story which was very similar to mine.     

What were some of the biggest challenges/surprises?
It was a big challenge figuring out how to tell this personal story in a way so that people could understand it and identify with the main character. It was a surprise to find out how much the main character resembled me.  

Who are some of your favorite filmmakers?
Gus van Sants, Lars von Trier, and Alejandro González Iñarritu  

What is your all time favorite documentary?
3 ROOMS OF MELANCHOLIA by Pirjo Honkasalo  

What other projects are in the pipeline?
A film about two African boys who dream about playing soccer in Europe and a film about a place in Russia where satellites sometimes fall down.  

Why did you become a filmmaker?
Because I found that it was the best way for me to use my potential and to communicate my view on life.    

What are some of your creative influences?
Music, still photos, fiction films   

Did you go to film school?
Yes, I will graduate from The National Film School of Denmark in June.   

What do you shoot on?
A Panasonic Hvx 200   

What has been the most unexpected thing to happen since taking the film on the festival circuit?
That it appeals to so many different people from different cultures.  

Why did you want to screen your film at SILVERDOCS?
Because I heard that it is a really good festival.