I just wanted to add a few comments regarding the criticisms to this film, specifically its production values. I wanted to provide some background so that the film is viewed within its historical context.
This film was originally a commission piece by the Venezuelan National Youth Orchestra to Director Alberto Arvelo. The orchestra wanted an internal corporate video to be used for the orchestra's 30th anniversary. It was not initially predicted that the film would have such international interest or that the film would eventually screen around the world. The film instead had a clear internal purpose: to document the role of the orchestra and its founders in the status of music education in Venezuela. The film was therefore produced with a minimal budget and very limited resources. There were no funds for online editing, fixing archival footage, color correction, online mastering, etc, etc. In addition, the editorial decisions had to be made in the context of its initial purpose.
Despite these limitations, the director created such a beautiful work that we agreed to help the film reach the international markets. We then began coordinating the film's distribution and festival appearances in 2006 and invested significant amounts of money in bringing the film to the international scene, mostly because we are committed to this story. Unfortunately, we did not have the resources necessary to re-edit the film and fix some of the technical and editorial problems, but we are working hard in raising these funds and we anticipate completing the re-edit this film in 2007. We hope that the new version of the film will facilitate its commercial distribution and ensure the dissemination of this inspirational story throughout the world.
Nestor L. Lopez-Duran Executive Vice-President Explorart Films
