2023 | Netherlands | Documentary

Glas, mijn onvervulde leven (Glass, My Unfulfilled Life)

  • Dutch, English English 94 mins
  • Director | Rogier Kappers
  • Writer | Rogier Kappers
  • Producer | Lidija Zelović, Estelle Bovelander

STATUS: Released

This film is currently not available.   

In this original and funny self-portrait, moving between hope, despair and heartbreak, we follow the main character Rogier Kappers for seven years. He wants to realize the dream he had as a nine-year-old boy: to become a famous musician playing the glass organ, an instrument made of singing glasses. Boundless optimism or naive impulsivity?

“He always thought he would have made it by 52, but that clearly didn’t work out,” says the ironic narrator. Kappers had always been a dreamer, full of ideas and projects that were supposed to bring him happiness or fortune, but something always went wrong. Insecure but stubborn, he is now finding his way as a street and stage musician. He gets an autograph from his idol Arvo Pärt, practices endlessly on the heavenly sounding glasses, and in between a trip to Dubai, an appearance on national TV, and frantic work on his vacation home, he finds out how this project, too, can be as unexpected as life itself. Or is he actually looking for love?

A glorious coming-of-old-age drama, in which Kappers’ father provides down-to-earth commentary, and creative ambition arises from the feeling that time is running out and everything needs to change.

Music Glass Organ Musician Optimism Goals