Daniel Roher's 'Tuner': A Musical Journey of Loss, Discovery, and Safe-Cracking
Daniel Roher, a filmmaker from Toronto, found himself in a creative slump after the success of his documentary on Alexei Navalny. His latest film, "Tuner," explores the story of Niki White, a piano prodigy who develops a unique auditory condition that prevents him from playing. Working as a piano tuner, Niki navigates his loss and discovers new ways to connect with music, including cracking safes. "Tuner" marks Roher's transition from documentaries to fictional features, inspired by a desire to break free from expectations and prove his versatility.
Roher credits the late Rob Reiner for guiding him through this new direction in filmmaking. Reiner, a mentor to Roher, provided valuable feedback on the screenplay for "Tuner" and emphasized the importance of creating an entertaining and engaging film. Roher dedicated the Sundance screening of "Tuner" to Rob and Michelle Reiner, expressing gratitude for their support and influence on his work. The film, set to release in late May, promises a mix of comedy, thriller, and romance, likely earning an R rating for strong language.
Having premiered his documentary "Navalny" virtually at Sundance in 2022, Roher now presents "Tuner" in person at the festival, marking a significant moment in his career. Reflecting on his Sundance experience, Roher acknowledges the festival's impact on launching his films and shaping his artistic journey. With two films featured at this year's festival, including the challenging "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist," Roher looks forward to the future of Sundance, even as it transitions to Boulder, Colorado. Despite the bittersweet departure from Park City, Roher remains optimistic about the festival's evolution and the opportunities it offers for filmmakers like himself.