Orchestrating Change

ORCHESTRATING CHANGE is the feature documentary that tells the inspiring story of the only orchestra in the world created by and for people living with mental illness and those who support them. The mission of the orchestra is to erase mental health stigma. Co-founder Ronald Braunstein was on the trajectory to becoming one of the world’s leading conductors until he made his diagnosis of bipolar disorder public. Shunned by the classical music community and nearly destitute, he started Me2/Orchestra (me, too!) for people like himself. Through verité footage and striking animation, the film takes an intimate look at Braunstein and some of the musicians’ daily lives; capturing what it is like to live with mental illness and the surprisingly powerful impact the orchestra has made on them. With insight and even humor, the film culminates in a joyous concert at a major venue. A triumph for Braunstein, who thought he might never conduct again, and these amazing musicians.