Author: Fara

Palace of the Winds

Shot over the course of two years (2006-2008), Palace of the Winds is an intimate and dreamlike journey exploring the music of Saharawi culture from Guelmim in Southern Morocco to the Mauritanian capital of  Nouakchott.  With spectacular images from inhospitable landscapes,  chimerical phenomena that transpire by the sheer remoteness of the land, and haunting indigenous music from a people that have long been shrouded in mystery, this is a genre-defying film of profound beauty. Explore the intoxicating tapestry of sight and sound that this obscure region has to offer through its most awe-inspiring musicians. Featuring live performances by Group Doueh, Group Marwani, Sadoum Oueld Aida  and Group Bab Sahara. 52 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyStrt0f5cQ

 

Folk Music of the Sahara: Among the Tuareg of Libya

A Film By Hisham Mayet
Folk music of the Sahara is an intoxicating experience of sight and sound captured among the Tuareg and Libyan people of North Central Africa. Filmed from the perspective of actually being one of the performers, this rare film captures the spirit of Libyan folklore and the essence of emotion armed with pounding rhythms and wailing vocal choruses. Both men and women are featured here equally as overseers of the hybrid forms of expression where central African traditions collide with the tones and colors of the Arab world creating one of the most unique overviews of Saharan folk music ensemble and dance the outside world has ever witnessed. The diversity of faces is extraordinary, every costume is stunning, and the women are among the most beautiful on earth. If you ever wondered where some of western music’s more exotic ideas originated from ( Sun Ra’s Arkestra/call and response choruses/ trance drumming/ and even some forms of modern hip-hop) this is a great place to start! 50 minutes.

This award-winning documentary charts the rise and fall of arcade video games and their surprising second life in basements and garages all across the country. Musician Jean Baudin will play original music before the screening. Director Jeff Von Ward and game collectors interviewed in the film will be in attendance to answer your questions afterward. Come join the San Francisco DVD release party and even play an original Pac-Man arcade game. Dir Jeff Von Ward (in person), 85 Min.

It’s important to check ourselves — our actions, our motivations, our politics.  There’s sometimes a big difference between the way we think things are and the way things actually are.  This month Periwinkle Cinema is helping you out with a serious “Reality Check.”  From reality television shows to man-stalking dykes to a musical call-out of white privilege, this month’s program is sure to make you think twice about the world around you — and how you exist in it.