Under the Piano

Under the Piano is a 1995 television film directed by Stefan Scaini and features Kevin Sullivan as executive producer. The film follows the story of one womans overwhelming faith in her talented but emotionally defenceless sister. The film starred Megan Follows and Amanda Plummer as the sisters and opera singer Teresa Stratas as their mother. Stratas won a Gemini Award as best supporting actress for her performance.

Franny Basilio Amanda Plummer is determined to help her musically gifted autistic sister Rosetta Megan Follows have a life of her own. Their mother Regina Teresa Stratas, who gave up a promising career as an opera singer to raise her children, refuses to acknowledge Rosettas talent and believes she will never be capable of looking after herself. Franny vehemently disagrees with her mother, which has caused friction between them since she was a child. Eventually, Reginas bitterness, ignorance and desire for acknowledgement of her own talent cause a rift between her and her daughters. Franny ultimately moves out of the house causing Rosetta to hurt herself in a desperate cry for help. Rosetta is hospitalized and assessed by doctors who recommend to Regina that her daughter be lobotomized for her own good. Franny must summon all of her courage in order to prevent her mother from allowing Rosetta to have the operation and be committed to an institution for the rest of her life.

Source: Wikipedia