A scene from Maestra (Shudder)

Did you know that only three percent of classical music orchestras worldwide have a woman conductor? This fact casually comes up in Maggie Contreras’s warm, smart, and inspiring documentary, which follows five very different music virtuosos as they compete in a women-only conducting contest, sponsored in part by the Paris Philharmonic. Conceived as a project to raise women’s profiles and improve their opportunities in the classical music world, the project has a long-term impact on the contestants’ approach to music and their lives. As one aspirant remarks, “I didn’t know it was going to be life-changing, but of course it was.”

Maestra functions as three separate but interlocking narratives. One is a character study. All the women seek something from this competition: respect, redemption, or a professional leg up. The film zeroes in on their goals and challenges, yielding rich glimpses of complicated, compelling personalities. A Greek single mother haunted by unspoken sadness, an irrepressible optimist and wisecracker from Atlanta, and a brilliant, dissatisfied Frenchwoman marooned in Iowa number among the contestants. They’re all fascinating to a woman, and all have intelligent insights to share on risk-taking and female power.

Another angle the film offers is a relatable, non-intimidating look at excellence in classical music. Viewers will learn all about the immense discipline, musicianship, and communication skills that conducting an orchestra really takes. “Often people are born with an innate ability to get a great sound,” remarks judge and veteran conductor Marin Alsop. The filmmakers examine the rigors of conducting while respecting the role of the intangible in the discipline. The music selections from Ravel, Mozart, and Clara Schuman aren’t just gorgeous, they’re glorious.

And finally, Maestra plays a good old reality TV-style card by hyping up the competition. Who’s gonna come out on top? Who are we rooting for? Curveballs and upsets keep the contest exciting. Although not everybody can win, more than just the prizewinners emerge victorious. The high-stakes competition has helped nurture a community of creators who derive energy from music’s power and each other’s support.

A focus on one contestant in particular might feel a little therapy-adjacent for some viewers. But in its championing of classical music, female artistry, and individual ambition, Maestra reaps not just cachet but great emotional power. This transporting film has a reach beyond classical orchestra lovers. Anyone who’s ever had a dream should be swept along by its beautiful chords.