Who could have foreseen that an American orchestra would be performing in North Korea? Who would have believed that music is capable of bringing people together who are supposed to be bitter enemies? Can music play a role in the political game? "On February 26, 2008, the world watched as the New York Philharmonic gave the first performance by an American orchestra in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Those lucky enough to be present will never forget that historic evening, when people from two long-divided nations were united through the beauty and power of music. By the end of the final encore, both the audience and the musicians onstage stood waving to each other in a new-found spirit of understanding. We are honored and pleased that through this DVD we can share this transformative experience with new audiences for years to come." NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC PRESIDENT, ZARIN MEHTA The film Americans in Pyongyang accompanies members of the New York Philharmonic on its historic trip to North Korea´s capital, Pyongyang. This trip was by no means a simple one. Many concerns and doubts arose just before departing for the most inaccessible country in the world – a country that consistently violates human rights and that has been categorized by George W. Bush as a key member in the “axis of evil“. The documentary by Ayelet Heller is not a political manifesto but a story about people who are brought a little closer to each other by virtue of music. Americans in Pyongyang shows, almost non-verbally, that music knows no borders and that it can reach and melt hearts and unite people. The 48-hour trip was memorable to all involved: Korean and American musicians meet on stage for the first time, performing together with technical brilliance, hardly speaking, just exchanging quick glances and communicating with body language. One of the musicians said: “Something profound has happened between two peoples. It was astounding.“ Length: 53’ TV Director: Ayelet Heller Produced by EuroArts Music International

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