Arvo Pärt, the most celebrated living composer of our time, is considered to be something of a recluse. However, at work he appears to be the total opposite, combining an incredible sensitivity with humour and energy.

His intense collaboration with the Cello Octet Amsterdam forms the heart of this documentary which sheds a bright light on Pärt’s working processes and environment. A universe not only inhabited by classical musicians like Tõnu Kaljuste, Candida Thompson or Daniel Reuss, but also by choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, filmmakers including Alain Gomis and young techno musicians like Kara-Lis Coverdale are all searching for that Pärt feeling.

Paul Hegeman’s intimate documentary observes the composer as he invests his work with energy, humour and an indelible sensitivity.

Notes by Kevin Coyne