Maria by Callas, a documentary that takes an intimate look into the life and work of one of the most beloved opera singers of the 20st century, Maria Callas, premieres in the United States on September 30 & October 8 at the 56th annual New York Film Festival. Directed by Tom Volf, the film takes Callas’ own words in journals, letters and interview appearances to narrate her personal story. Volf also utilizes various forms of film, accompanied by Joyce DiDonato reading the words from Maria’s letters when recordings of her voice aren’t available. The film takes the viewer through not just the highlights of her life, but also the lows her extreme fame brought her. As a paragon of opera in the mid 20st century, Ms. Callas is revealed as not only a complex woman of her time, but as a musical genius who gave all of herself to her art form.

For more information and tickets visit the New York Film Festival’s website.