Sonata for Cello & Life (2026)

 

As a classical cellist proves her discipline, an unexpected battle between her unconscious and conscious unfolds, ending with a truth, she couldn't have discovered differently.

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All credits

Caroline Mirkes

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Director's Statement

As a cellist myself, I happen to picture the intense, almost claustrophobic relationship between a musician and their instrument numerous times in art works. Being a naturally curious person, I felt drawn to explore other horizons as soon as my studies ended, yet a question remained: Who am I without being a full-time cellist? The world outside of the classical music bubble initially felt foreign, until I realized that it was, in fact, the real world: all is possible.
With 'Sonata for Cello and Life,' I wanted to explore the unconscious biases and perceptions of reality that shape our lives based on what we do. But is there not always an inner voice guiding us toward the right path? In this film, the unconscious shows up precisely when it is absolutely needed.
To capture this profound intimacy and the restrictive nature of the protagonist's world, I made the deliberate artistic choice to shoot the entire film in a single room using a smartphone. This minimalist and nimble approach allowed me to remain incredibly close to the character, turning the lens into an invisible, subjective observer of her psychological shift. Ultimately, 'Sonata for Cello and Life' is a quiet, tragicomic reflection on modern loneliness, identity, and the beautiful absurdities of the choices we make.​

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