The year is 1826. Ludwig van Beethoven (Tobias Moretti) faces the final stanza of his storied career. Deaf and defiant, he recalls memories of his youth, when as an eight-year-old prodigy he comes under the tutelage of the Bonn court organist, Christian Gottlob Neefe. Years later after an encounter with Mozart, the young “Louis” begins to study under Joseph Haydn in Vienna, but family tragedies and unfulfilled love leave a lasting mark that haunts him for the rest of his life.

Writer/director Niki Stein brings a largely unexplored chapter in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven to the screen. Released in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth, LOUIS VAN BEETHOVEN reveals the revolutionary story behind the immortal genius. "Handsomely mounted... elegantly tailored" (Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times). "A sweeping historical epic, Louis van Beethoven recontextualizes the great composer’s life, following his tumultuous relationship with his family, the political upheaval that helped inspire his music, and his influential encounters with Haydn and Mozart. This beautiful film brings Beethoven’s extraordinary persona and musical talent to life. It’s simply a must-see for Beethoven fans." (WFMT)

DIRECTED BY NIKI STEIN
GERMANY | 2020 | GERMAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES