Documentary film maker Mark Kidel spent two years filming Peter Sellars in rehearsal, teaching, and talking about his life and work, with a particular focus on the wide range of events he curated for the „New Crowned Hope“ Festival in Vienna (2006). The film also reflects on the recurring themes in Peter Sellar´s work, from his adolescent fascination with puppetry and avant-garde theatre and his explosive emergence as a super-talented ‘enfant terrible’, to his more recent mature work which combines, in a unique way, politics, poetry and spirituality. The film shows the perspective of an artist who passionately confronts himself with the political and intercultural situation. His reinterpretations of classic operas are utterly convincing.
The integration of different cultures and art forms and his belief in the possibilities of change and renewal give his works a universal strength and openness.This is the first in-depth portrait of this fascinating and original creative artist. With scenes from: „Ainadamar“ by Osvaldo Golijov, „Zaide“, „Die Hochzeit des Figaro“, „Don Giovanni“ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, „L´Amour de Lion“ by Kaija Saariaho, „Giulio Cesare in Egitto“ by Georg Friedrich Händel and „A Flowering Tree“ by John Adams as well as appearances by Gérard Mortier, Georges Tsypin, Kaija Saarihao und Osvaldo Golijov.