STRAD STYLE 01

Strad Style

Year 2016
Runtime 104 mins
Language English

Danny Houck, a self-described "nobody" living in rural Ohio, promises to recreate a legendary classical violin in just a few months.

Living in a ramshackle farmhouse out in the sticks, self-professed "nobody" Danny Houck pours all his time and energy into his obsession: violins, with a particular passion for famous violin makers Stradivari and Guarneri. When Danny “friends” violin virtuoso Razvan Stoica on Facebook, he makes a rash fanboy promise to create a perfect replica of a world-famous violin—Guarneri’s Il Cannone—for Stoica’s next concert. But with so much to learn in mere months, can he pick up the ancient art of violin-making using only images from the Internet and improvisation? Working around the clock as the deadline approaches, Danny tests the limits of his own capabilities, making up for his lack of technique and skill with enthusiasm and imagination, and persevering where most would resign.

Focusing on a quirky character who has an over-the-top passion for classical music, the crowd-pleasing documentary has connected with audiences around the world – recieving both audience and jury awards at major festivals such as Slamdance and Hot Docs.

Countries

United States
Attending Guests
Director Stefan Avalos and Subject Daniel Houck at both screenings
Awards
Columbus Film Festival, Grand Jury Award – Best Documentary; Florida Film Festival, Audience Award – Best Documentary; Hot Docs – Audience Top 20 Favourite; Salem Film Festival, Audience Award – Best Documentary; Slamdance, Audience Award – Best Documentary; Slamdance, Grand Jury Prize – Best Documentary; Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, Audience and Grand Jury Awards for Best Documentary
Festivals
Slamdance, Hot Docs, AFI DOCS
Director
Stefan Avalos
Producer
Stefan Avalos, Suzan Ortmeier
Cinematographer
Stefan Avalos
Editor
Stefan Avalos
Music
Razvan Stoica
Cast
Daniel Houck, Razvan Stoica, David Campbell, Mary Houck, Rodger Stearns, Alfredo Primavera