Ep 9. Joe's Violin

Joe's Violin is the ninth episode of the 30th season of POV, a documentary series that showcases point-of-view perspectives of contemporary American life. Directed by Kahane Cooperman, the episode tells the heartwarming story of the unlikely friendship between a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor named Joe Feingold and a 12-year-old Bronx girl named Brianna Perez, brought together by a shared passion for music.

The episode opens with Joe Feingold reminiscing about his childhood in Poland and his love for playing the violin, which he had to give up when he was sent to a concentration camp during World War II. After surviving the Holocaust, Joe emigrated to the United States and started a new life, but he never forgot his love for music and his lost violin.

Decades later, in 2008, Joe decides to donate his beloved violin to the Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls, a school in one of New York City's poorest neighborhoods that had just started a music program. Little did he know that his violin would end up in the hands of a young girl named Brianna, whose mother had recently died and who was struggling to find her place in the world.

Brianna, who had never played an instrument before, is initially hesitant to take up the violin, but she soon falls in love with it and discovers a natural talent for the instrument. With the help of her music teacher, Krystina Marcoux, and Joe, who becomes her mentor and friend, Brianna works hard to master the violin and prepare for a big audition.

As the episode unfolds, we see the bond between Joe and Brianna deepen, as they share stories about their lives and their love for music. We also learn more about Joe's past and his experiences during the Holocaust, which he had never talked about before. Through it all, we see the power of music to bring people together and heal old wounds.

Joe's Violin is a moving and inspirational episode that celebrates the human spirit and the transformative power of music. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and beauty to be found, and that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone's life. It is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of art to bring meaning and joy to our lives.