The Algerian-French filmmaker Gatlif takes a musical and choreographic look at the journey of the Roma community by traveling with them from India through Egypt, Turkey, and Eastern Europe to Spain. As fascinating as the differences are the similarities he finds on the various continents. In each new country where the Roma settled, they absorbed elements from local traditions and incorporated them into their songs, dances, and costumes; thus, there are Indian drums, Eastern belly dances, Hungarian violins, and Spanish guitars. Throughout the centuries, certain elements have always been maintained, including the rich, raw sound of Roma singing and the clear passion for complex rhythms.
Although Latcho Drom ('have a safe journey' in Romani) does not have a real story, the lyrics speak volumes about the tragic Roma history of oppression and violence. Through music and dance, without the use of spoken words, Latcho Drom tells a powerful story about the journey, the struggle, and above all, the indomitable spirit of this people.
This film is part of our special FOLK VOLUME, that is showing in De Uitkijk in April and May.