VÁRDAI - non SOLO CELLO

István Várdai is one of the most sought-after cellists in the world, a versatile artist, artistic director of the Liszt Ferenc Chamber Orchestra, professor of cello at the Vienna Academy of Music, masterclass leader worldwide, and still only in his thirties. This portrait film, shot over four years, explores the question of what talent entails: is it a blessing or a burden that makes life difficult, especially when it is accompanied by a sense of mission? Eszter Száraz's portrait film is accompanied by a discussion with András Batta, the film's protagonist and maker.

In Eszter Száraz's portrait film, we also see Várdai working with great contemporaries of classical music - Péter Eötvös, Vikingur Olafsson, Kristóf Baráti, Lawrence Foster - and teaching at the University of Vienna and at a masterclass in Boccherini's hometown Lucca, Italy, while getting closer to the man himself. An inspiring and honest portrait-documentary of an artist who deserves to be a role model for younger generations.