August 10, 2023
Crescendo—the feature documentary that follows the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the discovery of sensation Yunchan Lim—makes its world premiere screenings this weekend at South Korea’s Jecheon International Music and Film Festival. Directed and produced by Heather Wilk in her directorial debut, the film is being met with early enthusiasm: the premiere screenings sold out in under two minutes.
AUD Present, the South Korean distributor behind arthouse titles such as Lamb, The Farewell, Moonlight, Mid90s, and Pavarotti, has acquired Crescendo, with plans to release it in theaters across South Korea this fall.
“It is an honor to partner with AUD Present,” said Wilk. “Their track record of sharing incredible films to Korean audiences is unparalleled. Our premiere in Korea marks just the beginning and we are excited to share our film with the rest of the world.”
“We are thrilled to work with the Crescendo team,” said AUD Present’s Sinae Kim. “As a distributor, introducing the great film is one of the highlights of our work. We cannot wait to see the audience enjoy and appreciate this special film.”
The film is now available for U.S. and worldwide distribution partnerships. Details on when and how to see it outside of South Korea will be announced later this year.
ABOUT CRESCENDO
Crescendo is set against an unprecedented backdrop of global geopolitics as 30 of the world’s most promising musicians travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in the renowned Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Vying for gold and their shot at classical piano stardom, the contestants showcase their talent and voices through six intense, high-stakes performances, with multiple elimination rounds, a discerning panel of jurists, and audiences numbering thousands in person and millions online.
Behind the scenes, stories of adversity, sacrifice, and heartbreak drive the pianists to perform at the highest level. As fan favorites and early contenders are eliminated, one unassuming genius rises to the top.
Crescendo is directed and produced by Heather Wilk. It is produced by Red Entertainment and the Cliburn. Executive Producers include Red Sanders of Red Entertainment and Jacques Marquis and Maggie Estes of the Cliburn.