Reviews and Festivals
"Starred Review. An outstanding chronicle of teaching, learning,
and creating high-quality collaborative art. Filmmaker Bar-Kar’s
editing matches the choirmaster’s meticulous attention to detail. In the
end, everyone here thrives in a climate of serious fun, even when
perfection remains elusive.”
— Library Journal
“
Starred Review. Exceptional...inspiring and thought provoking. A
combination of cajoling, encouragement, innovative techniques, sheer
force of will, and a deep-held love of music play a role in motivating
and teaching his students. Secondary music teachers and students will
find much here to appreciate, as will those who love music.”
— School Library Journal
"Starred Review. This thoughtful film shares insights on the power
of the arts and the work of a personable, dedicated choir director who
teaches five classes daily. In the state competition and impressive final concert, we are treated to top-notch, meaningful, and moving performances. "
— Booklist
"
Highly Recommended. Championing the cause of arts education in public schools,
Big Voice is an entertaining and uplifting portrait of a dedicated teacher and the students he motivates to strive for excellence. Top-quality in every technical aspect.... It’s
an especially fine choice for school and academic libraries supporting
programs in music education and performance, and deserves a place in
public library collections as well."
— Educational Media Reviews Online
"
Recommended. Filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar's optimistic if also evenhanded documentary."
— Video Librarian“You have beautifully represented the craft to which we choral educators
have devoted our lives. In an age when such cynical pabulum as Pitch
Perfect, Glee, and American Idol masquerade as being a representative of
the vocal arts, your work is nothing short of miraculous. You have
treated your subject matter with respect, humanity, humor, and above all
veracity. I know that untold hundreds of thousands of choral singers
and conductors will cherish this film.”
— Dr. Scott W. Dorsey, Director of Education & Communication, American Choral Directors Association
“
Big Voice is an immensely engaging and emotional film. Beautifully
and simply told, this portrayal of a beloved taskmaster of a teacher at a
large public high school will surely make you weep. But it is more than
just the relationship and students; It is also about music, community,
belonging, and love.
— Janet Yang, Producer
“
Big Voice is a passionate and beautiful film that shows just how
important the arts are to individual students and the entire community.
This inspiring documentary helps spread the word that against all odds,
it’s possible to have thriving music and arts programs in our schools.”
— Marcy Ross, President, Skydance Television
“To watch the young choir grow in skill and
self-confidence is what makes
Big Voice so compelling a film. Our
education system and our society now more than ever need the Jeffe Huls
of this world.”
— Desert Local News
“By teaching these students to read music, to express a song with true
artistry, and to learn to cooperate so that they can merge their voices
to become one ‘big voice’, Huls is giving them a gift that will enrich
their lives forever.”
— MusicFolder.com
WINNER
South Dakota Film Festival, Best Family Feature
Heartland Film Festival, Best U.S. Premiere / Documentary Feature
NFMLA Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature
OFFICIAL SELECTION
American Documentary Film Festival
Julien Dubuque Film Festival
LA Femme Film Int’l Festival
Heartland Film Festival
Carmel Int’l Film & Arts Festival
Take 2 Hamptons Documentary Film Festival
Sonoma Film Festival
