The documentary Dear Lara makes its world premiere tonight, February 6, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The film is directed by violinist Lara St. John and centers on her decision to publicly speak in 2019 about being sexually assaulted as a teenager while studying at the Curtis Institute of Music. After her account was published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, St. John received messages from musicians around the world who shared similar experiences.

The documentary follows St. John as she meets with some of those individuals across North America and Europe. The film focuses on personal accounts from musicians who describe abuse, institutional inaction, and the professional consequences of speaking out within the classical music world.

Dear Lara is St. John’s first feature as a director. She also serves as a cinematographer on the film alongside Patrick Hamm, who produced the project. The film includes original music by St. John and is edited by Christie Herring. Blood Sweat Honey is handling sales.

Following the screening, St. John will participate in a panel discussion alongside several of the documentary’s featured subjects. The film is supported by partnerships with advocacy organizations, including Child USA, and is intended for future screenings at festivals, universities, and music institutions.