A Normal Kid
Feature Documentary
Project Type: Feature Documentary
Runtime: 90 Minutes
Status: In Development (30 years of footage)
Licensing Rights: Worldwide Rights Available
Chinese immigrants try their best to raise their son as a normal Canadian child — even if he is
a once-in-a-generation piano prodigy.
At just seven years old, Kevin Chen stunned audiences with his debut piano recital, performing works by Schubert, Chopin, and Mozart. Our cameras were there for it all, as filmmaker Mathew Embry has followed Kevin for over thirteen years, documenting every high note and off-key moment.
Born in China and raised in Calgary, Kevin demonstrated perfect pitch at age two and began composing music by age 10, including three symphonies and nearly 80 other pieces. A prodigy in both performance and composition, Kevin has won national competitions, debuted with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and performed at the opening of the Bella Concert Hall.
A Normal Kid follows Kevin’s meteoric rise in classical music while exploring the Chen family’s journey as immigrants striving for normalcy amidst their son’s extraordinary talent. This is a heartwarming story of music, family, and a father’s wish for his gifted son to lead a balanced life despite his extraordinary talents.