HARP DREAMS is an entertaining, poignant, and beautifully musical glimpse into what it takes to become a world-class musician. The film tells the story of 31 of the best young harpists in the world who, in 2007, gathered for 15 days at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music to compete in the triennial USA International Harp Competition, considered by many to be one of the most prestigious and demanding music competitions in the world. At stake are thousands of dollars in prize money; a one-of-a-kind, hand-made, Lyon and Healy concert harp; premieres in New York and London; and a lucrative recording contract. Ultimately, careers are made at this competition. HARP DREAMS is part performance and part slice-of-life, and Emmy Award®-winning filmmaker Susanne Schwibs enjoyed unprecedented access: a birthday party in Moscow; a date in Zurich; a private lesson in Paris; even a dress shopping trip in Cleveland. Harpists from France, Japan, Russia, Argentina, Korea, China, Italy, the U.S., and several other countries are represented in this truly international field, and each competitor must prepare for two years for the chance to play before a panel of prestigious judges and live audiences. Ultimately, only three harpists will be chosen for the finals-a gala concert with the Jacobs School Summer Festival Orchestra-during which the winner is determined.