feature documentary, 2025
PRIMADONNA OR NOTHING
From the first steps of an emerging singer to the final bow of a celebrated soprano, 'PRIMADONNA OR NOTHING' follows three relentless women who sacrifice everything to be an opera star.
Three women give everything for a career as an opera singer. A life in a vicious circle between success, passion, fear and perfectionism. The classical music scene appears flawless on the outside - what happens backstage remains hidden. More than half of all musicians struggle with anxiety. Envy, pressure and sacrifice are interpreted as dedication, ambition and passion. But how can you become successful in such a construct? And what traces will it leave behind? We accompany 3 opera singers; a student, a world star and a retired diva. Through them, we show an exemplary developmental arc of a career in classical music, and look behind the perfect facade.
Director: Juliane Sauter
Production: 70steps GmbH
Producer: Hannah Buhr, Daniel Tenne, Junus Baker
Editor: Tim Plaster
Cinematography: Sebastian Ganschow
Sound Mixing and Score: Bjarne Taurnier
Color Grading: Jakob Sinsel
