BERNSTEIN'S WALL

Bernstein’s Wall follows legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein on his lifelong journey to define his role as one of America’s most important musical figures, while fighting to create social change and inspire political activism through his work. Told with Bernstein’s own voice recordings and featuring wonderful never-before-seen archival footage, we gain insight into the immigrant’s son from Boston who rose to prominence in the 1950’s as the conductor of the New York Philharmonic. While he would become known as the face of classical music in the U.S., most know little about his involvement in both the civil rights and anti-war movements. The documentary shares fascinating stories and anecdotes, including how Bernstein came up with idea for “West Side Story” with writer Arthur Larents while the two lounged by the pool at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Filmmaker Douglas Tirola’s documentary is an intimate portrait of one of the 20th century’s most prominent icons, and his struggle to balance his complex personal life, including his hidden sexuality, with his groundbreaking career.