a non fiction film directed by John Allen & produced by Bella Le Nestour
WIJDAN
The mystery of Gnawa trance music
The Gnawa people have been shrouded in mystery since they were taken from the Malian empire and brought as slaves to Morocco. The power of their trance music has come into the spotlight through Western musicians (from Led Zeppelin to Archie Shepp) who help circulate the secret amongst those fascinated by the origin of the blues and the mystic connection of the music.
This film is an intimate portrait of two men who found each other like lost brothers separated by time. Time we now call history. Sibiri, bambarra musician of Mali, and Brahim, gnawa musician from Morroco. This 52 minute documentary is witness to these masters of the supernatural as they transmit secret knowledge to their children. As a testament to a fast changing Africa, we rediscover the meaning of transmission because who knows the color of the chick before it hatches?
NEW YORK WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL REEL RHYTHMS SCREENING OF WIJDAN
A screening of Wijdan, the Mystery of Gnawa Trance Music has been scheduled for Tuesday June 15, 2008 at the 4th Reel Rhythms World Music Film Festival at the Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street). Co-presented by the World Music Institute, the festival features documentaries and concert footage from Africa, focusing on the vibrant cultures, distinctive rhythms, drumming and dancing of the continent. Call the box office at 212.864.5400 for more information.
Wijdan, The Mystery of Gnawa Trance Music's Friend Space (Top 8)
Wijdan, The Mystery of Gnawa Trance Music has 98 friends.
Saha my friends I hope that all family goes well! call me if you come back to Paris! I would very much like to see again you and to introduce you my childrens!
Your DVD is top, I look at it, with nostalgia big Kiss guillaume
Thanks for your friendship , and thanks for listening my new album "Nimandi" now available on my myspace.I 'll play live with my band in "le zénith de Paris" May the 2nd for the "african divas night".Greetings from Paris and...Africa
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE FESTIVAL OF TRANCE IN JUNE, THEN WATCH THIS DOC! OF COURSE, IT'S MISSING THE SCENTS AND THE COLORS AND THE MILK AND DATES, AND THE WIND OF ESSAOUIRA, BUT IT HAS THE "MEETING OF THE SOULS"!!!
