The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentEventsFilm

Director and filmmaker Matthew Mishory’s Documentary “Fioretta” Prepares to Premiere Globally

by Britt Trachtenberg October 3, 2023
by Britt Trachtenberg October 3, 2023 0 comments
1.9K

On September 30 in Woodstock, Israeli director and filmmaker Matthew Mishory’s documentary Fioretta (2023) will premiere at the  Woodstock Film Festival. After, the ad hoc Maverick Sextet will play a live string performance of composer Arnold Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night).  A Q&A session with the production crew and subjects will occur.

The film will premiere on October 5 in Zurich too. After, the ad hoc Zurich Sextet will perform the aforementioned piece live. A similar Q&A will take place.

On October 8, Tel Aviv’s ANU Museum of the Jewish People will screen the film as well. After, a cocktail reception and Q&A session will ensue. The film chronicles the poignant journey of a father and son as they reconnect with their family’s history. The feature goes into depth about the experiences.

Famous litigator Randall Schoenberg travels with his 18-year-old son throughout Europe. They search for the gravesite of their oldest known relative, “Fioretta.” Through the discovery, they will reclaim 500 years of their familial history. They are the descendants of the acclaimed composer Arnold Schoenberg.

The world knows Randall as the recoverer of Nazi-looted prized pieces. He returns the artifacts to the families of their original owners. People know him as a genealogy expert. His greatest achievement occurs in this incredible story, where he reunites his family’s documents. The film has fascinating visual elements.

At the beginning, a title slide says “Prague, 1991.” The film shows a liminal, parking lot space. In a long shot, a man carries two duffle bags. Eerie music accompanies him. Then, the movie cuts to a boy who examines pages.

In a voiceover, Schoenberg suggests that children conduct genealogy assignments for school. They create small family trees for classes. When he was eight years old, his grandmother gave him a huge family tree. Meanwhile, his father’s family tree dates back to 1974. He utilized books that related to his grandfather’s centennial birthday. With this information, Schoenberg became known for genealogy at school.

The film shows old footage of Schoenberg. In the grainy shots, he uses public transportation. This deepens his connection to genealogy. The motion picture displays eye-catching shots of buildings. He says that memory has always interested him. He discusses the roles of the past, present, and future. Then, he arrives at a house. It relates to his rich family history.

In 2005, Schoenberg’s family moved into the house. He provides descriptions of his family members.

Twenty-four years ago, Schoenberg married his wife. They have children: Dora (24), Nathan (21), and Joey. Dora advocates for memory through her program, Remember Us. The organization pairs children of recent bar and bat mitzvahs with victims of the Holocaust. Joey trains to become a chef. Schoenberg’s wife, Pam, owned a photography gallery for a while. The family eats dinner together on a beautiful balcony.

Schoenberg gives a family toast, in which he mentions his travel plans. In the upcoming days, he would depart for Vienna. He has a meeting at the Schoenberg Center. Joey would come to meet him there. Together, they would embark on what Schoenberg calls a “roots trip.” They hope to uncover more family history. In a voiceover, Joey provides his perspective.

He says, “My dad decided to take this trip throughout Europe to go find graves and family members.” Schoenberg wanted to take one of his children. Dora prepared to have surgery and Nathan had schoolwork to complete. Joey came along because he had the availability. The documentary shows stellar travel shots.

A wide shot shows the shore at dusk. A close-up shot shows a plane’s wing. In the background, the film displays an exquisite blue sky and clouds. Joey describes his connection to family history.

He says that he “can have that sort of out-of-body experience and you have chills because you have that instant connection. You’re in the place where your family was, being back there 500 years earlier.” The film shows more immaculate travel shots.

In a moving long shot, a plane wing takes off from the ground. Then, the film cuts to a moving establishing shot of an airport. In a voiceover, Joey explains that “it’s not a single family story. It’s a people. We’re part of this larger mosaic.” Schoenberg arrived at Vienna’s Arnold Schönberg Center.

The documentary shows the building’s stunning interior. In a long shot, Schoenberg works on a computer. He sits on the administration’s board. The Center preserves his family’s legacy and makes the history accessible to the public. Through the organization, Schoenberg and Joey learn more about their family’s history. They might even uncover some surprising family secrets. Mishory issued a director’s statement.

He said, “When I first met Randy Schoenberg, he mentioned his ‘interest’ in family history. This made sense; he had a very famous grandfather. But Randy’s interest stretched further back through the centuries.” Mishory mentioned Schoenberg’s genealogical background.

Mishory explained, “He had been ‘looking into it’ for quite a while and had made some progress. ‘How far back could he go,’ I asked, expecting an impressive answer: the 1850s, perhaps. ‘Five hundred years,’ he said.” Mishory connected Schoenberg’s background “all the way back to the formation of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice. And he had the encyclopedic list of names (and documents) to prove it.” Mishory described the documentary’s narrative as well.

He said, “This father-son voyage through time and space (Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, and California) became the narrative backbone of our film.” He described his personal preferences in the documentary genre, saying “I like to
watch characters change subtly, relationships deepen, dynamics quietly shift. And this is what happens in Fioretta.” Mishory identified the film’s strong emotional connection.

He “filmed Fioretta as a narrative feature film that happens to be a documentary, avoiding the trappings and conventions of the genre that have proliferated with streaming.” He discussed what sets his film apart, saying “This is not an
‘interviews and experts movie.’ The camera roams, settling to catch objects’ locations and faces. Crucial emotional sequences are captured on Ektachrome film. And fragments of Randy’s first trip to Prague, just after the fall of Communism, come to life in a 16mm film-within-a-film.” Schoenberg commented on the film’s genesis.

His cousin, artist and filmmaker Serena Nona, came up with the idea of Fioretta (2023). She learned that Schoenberg’s genealogical research dated back to a family in the 500-year-old Jewish Ghetto in Venice. Then, Schoenberg said “Serena thought we could make a documentary film. When I mentioned the idea to producer Brad Schlei and director Matthew Mishory in Los Angeles, they agreed.” Schoenberg discussed the film’s impact on his family.

Schoenberg and Joey “met a great many strange and fascinating people who helped us uncover the traces that my family left behind. The documentary is as much about my relationships with these various characters and my relationship with my son as it is about the genealogical journey.” He outlined his goals for the documentary as well.

Schoenberg said, “My hope is that the film inspires people to explore their own family history, as I did, to learn a little something about themselves.” The documentary had an excellent production crew.

Rob Levine executively produced and co-wrote the film. Bradford Schlei, Álvaro Fernández, and Anneta Furdecká produced the movie. Maciej Twardowski arranged the cinematography, while Marc Cohen edited the footage. The video had fascinating technological speculations.

The production crew filmed the movie on location in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The film has interesting technical speculative facts. The audio is Audio 5.1 with Stereo Mix available and the Aspect Ratio is 16:9. The production crew used Alexa Mini LF and ARRIFLEX 416 (Super 16mm) cameras. The film connects to recent historical events. On September 13, Arnold Schoenberg’s birthday occurred. In 2024, his 150th anniversary will commence.

RUBBER RING FILMS and STONE CANYON ENTERTAINMENT present, in association with MONOLITHIC FILMS and NUTPRODUKCE, A film by MATTHEW MISHORY, E. RANDOL SCHOENBERG, SERENA NONO, ARNIE SCHOENBERG and JOEY SCHOENBERG in Fioretta (2023).

Production designer: MAGDALENA ZEMANOVÁ
Original score & sound: OHAD STEMATI
Edited by MARC COHEN
Cinematography: MACIEJ TWARDOWSKICO
Producer: ANNETA FURDECKÁ

Executive producers: ROB LEVINE and E. RANDOL SCHOENBERG
Produced by ÁLVARO FERNÁNDEZ, p.g.a. BRADFORD L. SCHLEI, p.g.a.

Co-writer: ROB LEVINE
Written and directed by MATTHEW MISHORY

Official Website:
https://fiorettafilm.com
Press and Screening Inquiries:
heshelman@platformgrp.com

0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Britt Trachtenberg

previous post
Cineverse presents the live screening of “On Fire”
next post
Jane Goodall: A Beacon of Hope for Our Planet

Related Posts

Misty Copeland Takes Historical Last Dance at American...

October 23, 2025

Cedric the Entertainer Reflects on The Neighborhood’s Final...

October 22, 2025

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Non-Spoiler Review

October 22, 2025

James Callis, Shaul Metzstein & Nick Mohammed Talks...

October 21, 2025

AIF 2025 Festival Opens with Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet

October 21, 2025

Techno and Tragedy in Oliver Laxe’s Sirat

October 21, 2025

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Joel Kim Booster Talk...

October 20, 2025

LA Premiere: HBO’s The Chair Company 

October 19, 2025

Building Hip Hop’s Forever Home: The Hip-Hop Museum’s...

October 17, 2025

Justin Bieber Leads SKYLRK to Victory at LA’s...

October 17, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch