Mott Music

Judging from Mott Music, Jared Alterman looks to be one 
of the brighter young talents now working in documentary. 
The short subject, focused on a piano restoration business 
based out of a former foundry in the Bronx explores the 
lines between technology and futurism and between fidelity 
to old ways and self-conscious antiquarianism while capturing 
the voices of some impressively old-school craftsmen. 
The technique matches the subject, as Alterman works fluently 
both with the jittery, hand-held high definition shots that 
are now all the rage and old-fashioned dolly work. 
Impressive stuff, all around.  
- Daniel Stern

MASTER KEYS

The southernmost neighborhood in the South Bronx, Mott Haven 
isn't exactly thought of as one of New York’s premier cradles of 
culture. But from an unassuming, red brick warehouse in that very 
community, Beethoven Pianos turns out some of the world’s finest 
instruments. Documentarian Jarred Alterman’s thoughtful 28- minute 
film "Mott Music", which screens Tuesday May 17th at Anthology 
Film Archives, looks at the craftsmanship and guiding philosophy 
of owner Carl Demler and his employees (including piano voicer 
Marc Wienert, pictured). The movie also subtly suggests that the 
company’s out-of-the-way location and cavernous, spooky work space 
seem to aid in the creative process. - Darren D’Addario

SXSW 2005: GhostBoy does his SXSW wrap up -
tons of titles!

MOTT MUSIC (directed by Jarred Alterman)

This short documentary explores a piano factory in the Bronx. 
Only thirty minutes long, it nonetheless offers a passionate 
defense of music as vibrant, living thing, and ends with a 
remarkable segue into magical realism that proves its point 
in an unexpected and very effective manner. - GhostBoy