a year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 a section Competitive selection Out of competition Fipatel a category Drama Series and Serials Creative Documentaries Reportage and Current Affairs Performing Arts

Georges Prêtre was chosen by the musicians of the Vienna Philharmonic to conduct the 2008 New Year’s Concert. He is the first French conductor to have the honor and good fortune to perform this concert, which is broadcasted in 54 countries. He conducts orchestras, choirs and soloists around the world as if his real life had only just begun. "It’s always the first time," is his catchphrase and this immediacy in the exercise of his art gives this film its tone and rhythm. Roberto Alagna tells us, "Georges Prêtre is an enigma." This film attempts to delve into this enigma and takes the audience into the essence of conducting. The opportunity to see him at his worktable at home in the Tarn or during rehearsals at the Bastille Opera and Vienna’s Musikverein is a unique opportunity to follow the metamorphosis of a score under the baton of a conductor who also calls himself "director". In his work and concerts, Prêtre imparts a formidable lesson in life and humanity.

France - 2008 - 59 mn - DV Cam • 16/9 • PAL - Colour

Director Claire Alby Writer Claire Alby Camera François Crépin, Nicolas Eprendre, Harald Staudach, Johnnie Behiri Sound Michel Bensaïd, Jean-François Chevalier, Jakob Palfrader Editing Laure-Alice Hervé

Production Zeta Productions, 178 rue de Javel, 75015 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4574 9858 Fax : +33 (0)1 4437 1501 E-mail : production@zetaprod.com Co-Production ARTE France

Sales Miriana Bojic Walter Zeta Productions, Miriana Bojic Walter, 178 rue de Javel, 75015 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4574 9858 Fax : +33 (0)1 4437 1501 E-mail : mbw@zetaprod.com