12 Notes Down, the Danish documentary that won the Full Frame Jury Award for Best Short, is a quaint and emotional spotlight that reminds us of the painful process of moving on.
Jorgis, the fourteen-year old star of the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir, must face the realization that his voice is changing. With an important concert only weeks away, he must decide what to do: continue to sing and risk damaging his voice or bow out. Singing clearly is a fundamental aspect of Jorgis’ identity: he serenades his parents at the dinner table and, as seen by the pictures above his bed, has traveled all over Europe singing with the choir. The choir also gives Jorgis power and purpose: he is the respected, mature authority in the group whom others look admire.
Departing from the group presents Jorgis with his first real lesson on the difficulty in leaving parts of your identity behind. It is a hard truth, but Jorgis—in typical Danish fashion—decides to make his departure modest, and without a big fuss. Jorgis determinedly looks at himself in the mirror as he pulls on his choir robe for the last time, knowing he must conclude this chapter in his life in order to advance.
The film features some unforgettable moments. A beautifully shot dream sequence involving Jorgis singing alone at the balcony of the Chapel is the most breathtaking. During Jorgis’ final performance, the camera eventually rests on Jorgis amongst the crowd of singers, capturing the tremendous emotions he experiences as his departure dawns on him during the choir’s final song.
12 Notes Down briefly but fully reveals a life in heartbreaking transition. And, like music off of chapel walls, its story will reverberate in your mind and soul.
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