New Documentary Highlights Struggles of Female Conductors

In the new documentary “Maestra,” directed by Maggie Contreras and premiering at the Tribeca Festival in New York City, the struggles and successes of female conductors are brought to light. The film focuses on La Maestra, a female conducting competition co-founded in 2019 by French conductor Claire Gibault and held every two years in Paris. The documentary introduces viewers to the five contestants vying for the top prize, hailing from France, Germany, the United States, Greece, and Poland. The film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by these women and includes commentary from judges Marin Alsop and Claire Gibault.

Maggie Contreras, a producer making her directorial debut, recently shared details about the making of the film and its importance for women in the classical music world. Contreras grew up surrounded by classical music and was drawn to the project after hearing about La Maestra on National Public Radio. She faced challenges during the film’s production, including difficulty securing financing for the project.

Contreras chose the five featured contestants out of 14, selecting them haphazardly due to pandemic-related restrictions on travel. The film highlights not only the difficulties faced by female conductors in a male-dominated industry, but also their humanity, stripping away stereotypes and showcasing their individual struggles and triumphs. Through the documentary, Contreras hopes to bring greater visibility to female conductors and inspire more opportunities for them in the field.