WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A picture of reclusion. As the social beings we are, the entire concept of being separate from other people often seems foreign to us. It isn’t about not desiring time for just ourselves, which is likewise important. Rather, it’s simply acknowledging that taking time with others is also something to relish. Yet, when circumstance arise that force us to be apart, outside our norms, the results can be hard to experience and cope with. But, does it mean we allow it to overwhelm us? Or instead become a time to shine and overcome?
It is March 2020, COVID-19 lockdown settles upon The Big Apple, and one set of perspectives on its impact isn’t immediately in consideration–our children’s. The sudden isolation has taken over the minds and attitudes of the young in a way perhaps never seen before. However, one man has chosen to rectify this via a medium ALL people can relate to–music. Thanks to his efforts, the talents of 15 composers and the 600 members strong who comprise The Young People’s Chorus of NYC come together to showcase one fact–isolation can’t, and won’t, win.
Next, my Mind:
This critic has expressed this before and it stands to reason it shall be therefore declared again–sometimes, there’s nothing more evocative than real life. This stands firm as a statement once more through this 67-minute indie documentary feature from director/executive producer/composer Francisco J. Núñez, director/cinematographer/editor Ansley Sawyer, and executive producer Nancy Bloom. Emotively impactful, poignantly affecting, undeniably creative, and filled with the kind of inspiring good will we NEED so much more of in the world, this portrait of how music changes the course of loneliness, disconnection, loss, and the basic need for family and friendship’s balm rises up, shines forth, and becomes an anthem not just for the time it portrays, but for ALL times.
Utilizing a wholly unique and unequivocally artistic approach, even for a real life documentary project, the film capitalizes on the very humanity it is representing, boldly yet with compassionate resonance showcasing the stories of multiple choristers from the YPC NYC as through the channels of notes and imagery deliver a sonic and visual tapestry highlighting their respective journeys through COVID-19 lockdown. Each composer who took part in this endeavor created a singular and original canon, hence 15 separate pieces in total, that could specifically be sung in the form of rounds by the choir via Zoom. Then, each piece is accompanied by its own individual music video if you will, with the images we witness become a pictorial venture echoing the words of its canon. Again, this is an absolutely stirring format when you watch, pulling at your heartstrings the entire time.
Additionally, it IS the sheer emotional ripple effect that the film elicits which aids in its strength of message and intent, because we should not only see it as the testament to an ultimately unwavering commitment to mental health, our youth, the persuasive power of the arts, and the benefits of staying connected and positive in times of upheaval that came about during the height of COVID-19, but also as the resounding and profound encouragement to ALL OF US to MAINTAIN this kind of mutually beneficial, NECESSARY, and world-changing support we should be pursuing TOGETHER. That is the underlying foundational gist that Núñez has fostered through creating the YPC NYC and offering this magnitude of kindness and selfless effort to show the world the importance of our youth, but also the imperative nature of unity, especially in troubled circumstances.
The interviews here are just as diverse as the musical compositions our ears take in, and each one conveys the exceptional aptitude and spirit of not just these individuals, but the whole as well. Through not just their abilities to sing, dance, or rap as the canons engender, each and every child between 8 and 18 who offers their thoughts come across with such a deeper degree of maturity about their COVID-19 experience and its impact on them than one might anticipate. I felt it was even more evident in that it wasn’t JUST these amazing kids talking about themselves, but also about their families, friends, and how the entire situation provided them refreshed appreciation and point of view about LIFE and all those who they share it with. Again, this is beautifully ardent emotional transparency these youth are willing to share, and that makes their words reverberate deeply.
Thanks to Isabel Medina & Family, Ahana, Kaia, Leela Gupta & Family, Sergio Mallo Fragoso & Family, Sofia Abreu, Isabella Nunez, Helene Lafourcade, Julisa Richardson, Jenia Marquez, Irene Cunto, Sebastian Canto & Family, Arwen Monzon-Sanders & Family, Preston Washington & Family, Athena Leader & Family, Kelly-Roland Ankoue, Tracy-Roland Ankoue, Marcus Byers, Carter Paterson & Family, Anastasia Bredikhina, and Julian Correa Cifuentes, Jr. among the 18-20 others (via choral vocals) who are directly a part of two of the musical canons as well. Your contributions and words were truly amazing in their verity and genuineness. And, of course, to the ENTIRE YPC NYC, it is an incredible feat you pulled off with this film and I attribute the same thanks to ALL of you for being a bright light during a dark time, but also before and after it, too. Stay the course, keep creating, and remain impassioned through music.
Next, to the composers whose indelible “voices” were the soundscape of enduring hope this film signifies. The highly differing and wonderfully composed offerings reflected your own imaginative skills while being a conduit and catalyst to change lives, much less to also be there for these kids in this manner. Thank you to Sam Adler, Paola Prestini, Yuka Honda, Paquito D’Rivera, Gordon Getty, Michael Harrison, Thomas Cabaniss, David Lang, Michael Gordon, Elizabeth Nunez, Jim Papoulis, Aneesa Folds, Ted Hearne, Derek Bermel, and Francisco Núñez for the beauty of your hearts and willingness to participate in this film and have such excellent influential weight on it via your lifetime of professional experiences and varied approaches on music and life. It is yet another testimony to people wishing to HELP others, and listening to not just the music, but also to the interviews with several of these lyrical luminaries, that becomes very evident.
Finally, I want to give a FULL measure of credit to Núñez for being an example of the demeanor in which humanity should strive to be, not out of some misplaced idea of “perfection”, but more from the standpoint of being a person who saw a need, chose to sacrifice whatever it would take to see it manifest, and then have the courage and fortitude to watch it grow and carry forward in order to SEE LIVES CHANGED for the better. It is completely, conspicuously, definitively present how the composer/founder/music director of the YPC NYC has committed his life to see kids from ALL backgrounds, ethnicities, and harder walks of life have an opportunity to have a voice in a multitude of ways, not the least of which is vocally through music. It is utterly obvious how much Núñex cares and nurtures these youth and their creative proclivities.
So, in total, “This Time Round” stands as an authentic, endearing, stimulating, wistful assertion of people’s will to conquer adversity, learn from it, and collectively stand firm through it, realizing that life isn’t always easy, but it is still better encountered and confronted with others you hold dear beside you. Take heed of this film, folks, as it is truly one to not just watch, but EXPERIENCE, therefore absorbing the all-inclusive quality of soul and perseverance it holds while ideally embracing the challenge and encouragement to listen to our youth and strive to make the world BETTER for them– AND us.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
