THE life of Maria Anna Mozart, five years older than Wolfgang and a musical prodigy in her own right, is a musical-true-crime story exploring the lost talent of Mozart’s sister who disappeared from the history books.
Mozart’s Sister, from director-producer Madeleine Hetherton-Miau in collaboration with producer Rebecca Barry, delves into how Maria Anna Mozart was forced to withdraw from public life because she was a woman.
The film, starring Marie Féret, Marc Barbé and Delphine Chuillot as Maria Anna, is a stunning investigation exploring why she was retired and what happened to her music, as seen through the eyes of musicians, musicologists and researchers.
For the first 16 years of her life, Maria Anna shared equal billing with her brother. They were musical partners and collaborators and played before Kings and Queens.
Maria Anna and Wolfgang were the talk of Europe – then she disappeared from the limelight.
Rising Sun Film Society’s Jackie Appleby said Mozart’s Sister delves deep into history.
“We have great pleasure in presenting the 2024 documentary, Mozart’s Sister, the movie which investigates the life of Maria Anna Mozart, who was said to be equally talented as her better-known brother,” Jackie said.
“The movie is a musical mystery, which exposes her disappearance from the history books at age 15. “Those of you who have viewed the trailer will know that at that time, it was tantamount to prostitution for a woman to perform in public,” she said.
Diane Charleson from Limelight said Mozart’s Sister is a “documentary on two levels”.
“Award-winning director Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s latest offering is an evocative and hard-hitting documentary with a strong message,” Charleson said.
“The film portrays a sensitive and well-researched investigation into Maria Anna’s life – illuminating how the draconian attitudes that prevailed during her time condemned her to a lesser life than her brother, even though she was similarly talented.”
Rising Sun Film Society presents Mozart’s Sister
When: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Where: Moree RSL Regional Military Museum (old town library building)
Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Cost: $15 with a light supper provided
Origin: France
Rating: PG
Length: 120 minutes
Enquiries: 0408 651863
Official trailer: Mozart’s Sister
