Kartemquin Films

Skip to content

Main Menu

For the Left Hand

Year2021

Runtime75 Minutes

At age 5, Norman Malone discovered he was a natural at the piano. Tragically, when Norman turned 10, he was attacked and left paralyzed on his right side. Undaunted, Malone began a lifelong quest to reclaim his place at the piano--mastering some of the most difficult music ever written for left hand alone--and never telling anyone of his deepening virtuosity.

At age 5, Norman Malone discovered he was a natural at the piano. Tragically, when Norman turned 10, he was attacked and left paralyzed on his right side. Undaunted, Malone began a lifelong quest to reclaim his place at the piano–mastering some of the most difficult music ever written for left hand alone–and never telling anyone of his deepening virtuosity. Not until he was 78 did he reveal his story (to the Chicago Tribune), prompting belated invitations to perform. Nearly 70 years after he was paralyzed, Malone realizes a long-delayed dream–to perform with a symphony orchestra.

Filmmakers

Cinematography

Zbigniew Bzdak

Editors

Leslie Simmer
Matt Lauterbach

Media

Awards and Distinctions

BendFilm Festival

Official Selection

2021

DocUtah

Official Selection

2021

Heartland International Film Festival

Winner

Audience Choice

2021

NHdocs: New Haven Documentary Film Festival

Official Selection

2021

St.Louis International Film Festival

Official Selection

2021

The Chicago International Film Festival

Official Selection

2021

UNAFF International Documentary Film Festival

Official Selection

2021

Woods Hole Film Festival

Winner

Jury Award

2021