On a String

In On a String, we follow Isabel, a recent Juilliard violin graduate who navigates New York's ruthless freelance world with a healthy dose of self-deprecation. To keep her head above water, she moves back in with her parents and plays the occasional gig, but she can barely make ends meet. On top of that, her neurotic family gets on her nerves, and she clearly pales in comparison to her brother's musical talent. When her ex-boyfriend — now a successful cellist with the New York Philharmonic — suggests she try out for a major audition, Isabel decides to go for it. What could possibly go wrong? Packed with witty dialogue and cringe-worthy moments, this comedic and charming indie film paints an all-too-relatable picture of a young adult trying to find her path.

On a String is the feature film debut of director Isabel Hagen, a violinist and Juilliard alumna who also stars in the lead role. The film won Best Screenplay at the Tribeca Film Festival this summer and is featured in Eye's Previously Unreleased program in Amsterdam. A must-see for fans of dry humor, social awkwardness, and actors who in fact play their own instruments