Austin Jewish Film Festival: Hold On To Your Music | Dell JCC

SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT

A young pianist escapes Nazi-occupied Vienna on the Kindertransport, carrying nothing but her music and her mother’s final words. That act of love creates an artistic legacy that resonates across generations. Directed by Academy Award nominee Josh Aronson and Emmy winner Adam R. Wood, Hold On To Your Music: A Mother’s Legacy tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a gifted Jewish pianist whose life was upended in 1938 Vienna. Forced onto the Kindertransport at age fourteen, Lisa found her way in wartime London, sustained by the music she carried with her and the memory of the family she left behind. Drawing on rare archival footage, newly digitized recordings, and the virtuosic performances of her daughter Mona Golabek, the film traces Lisa’s journey from prodigy to refugee to mother – and the enduring artistic lineage she passed on. Adapted from Golabek’s bestselling book and international stage production The Pianist of Willesden Lane, the documentary brings new cinematic depth to a story that has reached more than 10 million readers and audience members worldwide through concerts, books, and 5,000+ performances. The film bridges past and present to reveal a universal message: that memory, love, and music are forces powerful enough to sustain a life – and inspire generations.

BONUS PROGRAMMING: Pre-film performance by Steinway artist (and film protagonist) Mona Golabek. Mona will also do a Q&A after the film.

YEAR: 2025
RUN TIME: 77 Minutes
LANGUAGE(S): English
PREMIERE STATUS: Central Texas Premiere

For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.