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The Only Girl in the Orchestra facts for kids

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The Only Girl in the Orchestra
The Only Girl in the Orchestra film poster.jpg
Netflix release poster
Directed by
  • Molly O'Brien
Produced by
  • Molly O'Brien
  • Lisa Remington
Starring
  • Orin O'Brien
Music by Laura Karpman
Cinematography
  • Martina Radwan
Editing by
  • Monique Zavistovski
Studio
  • LFR INDUSTRIES
Distributed by Netflix
Release date(s) November 9, 2023 (2023-11-09) (Doc NYC)
December 4, 2024 (2024-12-04) (Netflix)
Running time 35 minutes
Country
  • United States
Language English

The Only Girl in the Orchestra is a 2023 American musical short documentary film. It was directed by Molly O'Brien. The film first showed on November 9, 2023, at Doc NYC. Later, Netflix released it worldwide on December 4, 2024. This film won the award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

About the Film's Story

This film tells the story of Orin O'Brien. She is a very talented double bassist. In 1966, she made history. Orin became the first female musician in the New York Philharmonic. She was hired by the famous conductor Leonard Bernstein.

The documentary shows Orin O'Brien reflecting on her amazing career. She recently retired at 87 years old. Orin talks about how important it is to support loved ones and students. Her niece, Molly O'Brien, directed the film. It highlights Orin's big impact on music. Orin believes that true happiness comes from helping others.

Meet the Cast

The people in the film play themselves.

  • Orin O'Brien as herself
  • Carlos Barriento as himself
  • Leonard Bernstein as himself (from old videos)

Film Showings and Release

The Only Girl in the Orchestra was shown at several film festivals. It was part of the Vail Film Festival on December 9, 2023. In April 2024, it was shown at the 26th RiverRun International Film Festival. The film was also featured in June 2024 at DC/DOX.

It was shown again at the Doc NYC on November 14, 2024. This time, it was part of the "Extraordinary People" shorts list.

Awards and Honors

The Only Girl in the Orchestra has received many important awards.

  • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Film Festival
    • Won: Best Short Documentary (April 25, 2024)
  • Critics' Choice Documentary Awards
    • Won: Best Short Documentary (November 10, 2024)
  • Cinema Eye Honors
    • Shortlisted: Outstanding Non-Fiction Short (January 9, 2025)
  • Academy Awards
    • Won: Best Documentary Short Film (March 2, 2025) – awarded to Molly O'Brien and Lisa Remington

More to Explore

  • Submissions for Best Documentary Short Academy Award
  • Maestro (a 2023 film about Leonard Bernstein)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: The Only Girl in the Orchestra para niños

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