Professor Adam Ockelford, a leading music psychologist who works in the School of Education at the University of Roehampton, features in a short film, Key of Genius, that is set to premiere at the Cleveland International Film Festival on April 2nd 2025. The film, inspired by Ockelford’s book In the Key of Genius, tells the remarkable true story of how he met a young Derek Paravicini, a blind and autistic musical prodigy who would go on to become an internationally acclaimed pianist.
Ockelford wrote In the Key of Genius to document Derek’s journey from childhood to becoming a world-renowned musician. “I wrote Derek’s biography to tell his remarkable story as he grew up and became world famous, playing everywhere, from Taiwan to the USA,” he said.
The journey to bring this story to the screen was a long one. “Getting films made takes a very long time! Many people had shown an interest over the years, but one – Daniel Persitz, who lives in Hollywood – was determined to make it happen. He persuaded a company called eOne to take out an option and got David Seidler, who won an Oscar for his screenplay of The King’s Speech, to adapt a section of the book – depicting the moment when Derek and I first met.”
The film’s selection for the Cleveland International Film Festival marks a significant milestone for the project. “Very exciting!” Ockelford said about the film’s premiere. Looking ahead, there are hopes for more festival screenings and a feature-length adaptation. “We hope the short film will have its London premiere in the near future. And beyond that, there is interest in making a full-length movie about Derek’s story and the part I played in it as his teacher, mentor, and friend of 40 years.”
While the University of Roehampton was not directly involved in the making of the film, it has recognised Derek’s achievements in a meaningful way, awarding Derek Paravicini an Honorary Doctorate – the first person with severe learning difficulties ever to receive such a degree anywhere in the world.
Ockelford believes the film carries an important message for students and aspiring musicians. “Practise! Derek put in his 10,000 hours. I know because I was sitting beside him, guiding him the whole time.” He also sees an opportunity for the film to be showcased at Roehampton.
Derek himself had a simple yet heartfelt message: “I hope you like my film!”
For those eager to follow the film’s journey, updates can be found on Derek’s social media channels. You can also learn more about Derek by watching his TED Talk.