Shot over eight years, I Am Not A Rock Star is the coming-of-age journey of fiery, Juilliard-trained pianist Marika Bournaki, who will stop at nothing to become a world-class concert pianist. Marika’s parents never realized their own youthful dreams in music and ballet; but they saw their daughter’s raw talent as early as age 5. Her father-turned-manager risked everything – including his career, family and marriage – to make Marika into a star. From child prodigy accolades at age 9, to backstage tears and moving alone to New York City to study at Juilliard at age 14, the film includes behind-the-scenes footage at concerts, airports, auditions and in hotel rooms around the world. On the cusp of international stardom at age 20, Marika has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Verbier Festival, had an audition with a major recording label, and found her first love – but also finds out her parents are divorcing and begins to question her path. With over 130 hours of footage in nearly a dozen international locations, this is a process film shot in cinema veritթ style about chasing an elusive dream and the cost that comes with it.
Generously supported by Pepper and Michael Jackson.
- More information on offcial website of Napa Valley Film Festival
- San Francisco Classical Voice interview with Marika Bournaki (PDF)