"For people suffering from Parkinson's, music can be an incredible support": Chiara Viale talks punk, Parkinson's and her inspiring film The New Music

In our new issue, we talk to Chiara Viale about pairing punk and Parkinson's in her non-for-profit film, The New Music. Set to premiere at the IndieCork Film Festival this October, the film follows the journey of Adrian (Cilléin Mc Evoy), a young classical pianist who finds his world shaken after being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's.

“People with Parkinson’s have been approving the script and the film at each stage of the process,” Chiara tells us. “Having their support made me so comfortable about our portrayal of Parkinson’s. With the film, we’re not necessarily trying to teach anything, but we are trying to raise awareness of the reality of a being diagnosed with Parkinson’s when you’re young. We wanted to show the hard journey towards getting back on your feet and finding new meaning in life after the diagnosis.”

As well as working closely with the Young Parkinson's Ireland organisation throughout the film's production, Chiara also teamed up with a number of musicians. David Sangster, a pianist and composer living with Parkinson's, provided original classical pieces for the score, while Zachary Stephenson from Dublin alt-rock band Munky penned two songs.

"In the film, music has that universal role, in helping you through your healing," Chiara says. "The use of music as therapy is very well known, especially for mental health. For people suffering from Parkinson's, music and dancing can be an incredible support."

To read the full interview, pick up the new Hot Press in stores now, or buy it online here:

Watch the official teaser trailer for The New Music below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9YF-qKmeco&feature=youtu.be