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Orsi Toth to Play Lead Role in `Clara`

For you classical music fans out there, take note: a biopic from Netherlands-based film development and production company, BUZZMEDIA NETWORK, and director Heinrich Dahms, (`My Daughter`s Keeper`, Miramax, 1993) also a native of the Netherlands, `Clara` will begin production in 2006. Based on the true story of musical genius Clara Schumann, wife to lieder legend Robert Schumann, this movie will portray this famous couple`s life from her point of view. And to play the lead role of Clara is Hungarian actress Orsolya (Orsi) Toth.

`Clara` follows the life of 19th Century musical prodigy Clara Schumann as she battles her tyrannical stage father to marry the man she loves, composer Robert Schumann, only to find that Schumann is going insane. The screenplay was written by award-winning US screenwriter, Miriam Queensen, who is also a published journalist, teacher in screen writing, and an accomplished classical pianist in her own right.

Miss Toth previously played leading roles in two films by Hungarian director Kornel Mundruczo: the 2002 `Pleasant Days`, and the 2004 release, `Johanna`. `Johanna` is the filmed version of a modern Orwellian opera on the life of Jean of Arc set in the timeless limbo of a futuristic hospital. Dahms, who first saw Miss Toth in the premiere of `Johanna` at Cannes 2005, was so impressed by the young actress` poignant interpretation of the doomed saint in that film that he immediately contacted her for the role of Clara.