Alive inside

"Alive inside" is a joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short.

This stirring documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. Rossato-Bennett visits family members who have witnessed the miraculous effects of personalized music on their loved ones, and offers illuminating interviews with experts including renowned neurologist and best-selling author Oliver Sacks (Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain) and musician Bobby McFerrin (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”).

Winner of the Special Award, at the Boston Film Festival 2014

Winner of the Audience Award, at the Sundance Film Festival 2014

Winner of the Leonardo's Horse Award, at the Milano International Film Festival Awards (MIFF Awards) 2014 : Best Documentary

Winner of the Audience Award, at the Sedona International Film Festival 2014

Winner of the Audience Award, at the Provincetown International Film Festival 2014

Winner of an Award at the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival 2014 : Best Documentary

Winner of the Audience Award, at the Milwaukee Film Festival 2014

Winner of the Special Jury Prize, at the Nashville Film Festival 2014

Winner of the 2nd place for the Golden Space Needle Award, at the Seattle International Film Festival 2014

Winner of the 3rd place for the Audience Award, at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival 2014

Nominated to the Grand Jury Prize, at the Sundance Film Festival 2014

Nominated to 2 Leonardo's Horse Awards, at the Milano International Film Festival Awards (MIFF Awards) 2014 : Best Editing; and, Best Music