Orchestra Rehearsal is a trying parable about the trials of man. The question is, how far does the authority of a highly respected conductor extend? Should he enjoy absolute power over the orchestra? Fellini had his own opinion on all absolute power. Which is why it should come as no surprise when the members of the orchestra turn against their conductor. They rebel, the union protests, and finally they all begin to question whether they need a conductor at all. Or if the conductor needs the orchestra... The situation - which at times enjoys the simplicity of a television interview - escalates, passions are released. And what unfolds? Satire. On this occasion, however, Fellini steps not into the world of the surreal, but the absurd. In the midst of the conflict between power and democracy, we feel ourselves falling ever deeper into doubt: in such circumstances, will they even succeed in performing the piece of music? In this reflective tale, Fellini shows us a new side. Though do not misunderstand us! No one should view the film as an expression of a clear political standpoint. Orchestra Rehearsal is far more a reaction towards the dramatically volatile Italian affairs of the 1970s. The momentum of 'standing together' in the 1960s had died out, with an increasingly mechanised industrial sector no longer capable of providing an unlimited supply of jobs. Strikes, factory occupations and demonstrations, one after the other. What will become of playing music together?

In Italian, with Hungarian subtitles.
The discussions before and after the screening are conducted in Hungarian.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest