What is the role of music? That question is at the heart of the work done by the Silk Road Ensemble, a group of master musicians from around the world brought together by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma to perform, teach, and brainstorm. In The Music of Strangers, which The Hollywood Reporter calls “a first-rate music film capturing a restless desire to communicate beyond the boundaries of any single idiom,” Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville takes us on a global journey with Ma and the Ensemble that will open your eyes and attune your ears.

In addition to spending time with the charismatic Ma—who film-lovers may be familiar with from the Inspired by Bach series, or from his performances on soundtracks for films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—we also get to know other colorful Silk Road members, such as Galicia’s Cristina Pato, revered as the Jimi Hendrix of gaita bagpipes. Bursting with transcendent music, this film will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the stunning variety or our world’s music traditions. – Thom Powers

The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble is also part of the Knight Foundation and Knight Documentary Achievement Award.