About the movie

In 2012, I was fortunate to receive generous recognition for the film I produced, “A Suitcase Full of Chocolate.” This motion picture, the life story of pianist Sofia Cosma, was shown at  the New York State Performing Arts Center, the University of Pittsburgh, the National Gallery, Film Columbia, the Pittsburgh Jewish Film Festival, and the Houston Cinema Arts Festival.  Audiences have been deeply moved by the remarkable life story of this great woman, who survived every cataclysmic event of the last century, to become one of the most celebrated pianists of Eastern Europe.  As a prelude, I have played and talked about the great Russian pianists, and my subject in historical perspective.   Every student can learn the meaning of the word “dedication” from this remarkable artist, and all of us can come to appreciate the ordinary freedoms we take for granted.

In an age when we make heroes out of musicians who struggle with drugs,  it is rare to encounter one whose life is profoundly inspiring.  The late pianist, Sofia Cosma (1914-2011) has been such a personal inspiration to me, that I had to do what I could to tell her story on film.

My film, “A Suitcase Full of Chocolate”, was made over a period of thirty years.  I certainly didn’t  plan to spend three decades, but, for a number of reasons, completion was delayed, which resulted in a true documentary overview of the life of my subject and her family.

When I completed the editing, I didn’t know if we had a good film.  But the response at these showings has been overwhelming.

Lincoln Mayorga

This documentary  is an inspiration for all ages.  It is a story that follows this extraordinary woman into maturity speaking powerfully to students, artists and to the Jewish community. The film will also be a source of encouragement and uplift to immigrants from all parts of the world.

The story of Sofia Cosma is particularly relevant to our time.  Americans have recently become aware of the human face of Eastern Europe and Russia along with the remarkable political developments in those parts of the world. Great public interest has come about along with that awareness.  This is not the story of a super star.  As the document of a triumphant survivor and a fine musician, it is much more interesting.

credits:
Produced by Lincoln Mayorga
Associate producer: Lisa Sonne
Principal production and direction team: Lincoln Mayorga,
Lisa Sonne, Cindy Bilicki Gold, Jackie Shonerd
Edited by Dianne Steele and Michael Krahm