Film Lens
Mr. Mergler's Gift is a Canadian documentary directed by Beverly Shaffer, focusing on Daniel Mergler, a 77-year-old music teacher in Montreal, Quebec. Recently diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, Mergler decides to take on a final student, Xin Ben Yu, a young piano prodigy who has immigrated to Canada. The film captures their interactions and the impact of music on both their lives during this moving time.
The film premiered at the 2004 Montreal World Film Festival and received a Genie Award nomination for Best Feature Length Documentary at the 25th Genie Awards in 2005. At 31 minutes long, it presents a heartfelt narrative about mentorship, legacy, and the connection formed through music between Mergler and Yu.
Why Watch
- •Meet Daniel Mergler, a music teacher facing terminal cancer.
- •Follow Xin Ben Yu, a talented young pianist from China.
- •See the bond formed through music in challenging times.
Did You Know
•Daniel Mergler is 77 years old and a music teacher in Montreal.
•Xin Ben Yu is a young piano prodigy who recently immigrated to Canada.
•The film was released in 2004 and premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival.
•Mr. Mergler's Gift received a Genie Award nomination in 2005.
Perfect For
Music educationCanadian cinemaPiano enthusiasts