Shaping Bamboo

For the 'Are'are people of the Solomon Islands, the most valued music is that of the four types of panpipe ensembles. With the exception of slit drums, all musical instruments are made of bamboo; therefore the general word for instruments and the music performed with them is "bamboo" ('au). This film shows the making of panpipes, from the cutting the bamboo in the forest to the making of the final bindings. The most important part of the work consists in shaping each tube to its necessary length. Most 'Are'are panpipe makers measure the length of old instruments before they shape new tubes. Master musician 'Irisipau, surprisingly, takes the measure using his body, and adjusts the final tuning by ear. For the first time we can see here how the instruments and their artificial equiheptatonic scale-seven equidistant degrees in an octave-are practically tuned.

1979-01-01 | en

The Eternal Song

Karol Plicka was an important musician and composer. He recorded folk songs immediately after hearing them in musical notation to preserve them for future generations. Similarly, he records and interprets traditions associated with dance, folk song and local stories that vary from region to region in his film The Eternal Song. The short documentary presents merry-making in Slovak and Czech regions that are changing with the coming modernization and transformation of musical records.

1941-01-01 | cs

Scottish Myths & Legends

"Scottish Myths & Legends" explores the magic, mystery and sprinkling of mayhem that covers the dramatic landscape of Scotland. From the ancient tales of the Loch Ness Monster to the stories of shape shifting Kelpies, we go on a fascinating journey of discovery to uncover the stories behind the myths and the magnificent Scottish landscape that has inspired these truly legendary legends.

2010-01-01 | en

Saints of the Night

Living in forests untouched by man, these gracious and mysterious fairies use their magical powers to send blessings upon Earth. Do not take their kindness for granted. Especially on the night when the sky opens.

2023-09-01 | en

Staré Valašsko

A short film about traditional crafts and culture that can still be found in the Wallachian mountains today.

1956-04-06 | cs

Taneční zeměpis I. – Z Moskvy do Prahy

1948-01-01 | cs

Taneční zeměpis II. – Z Balkánu do Prahy

1948-01-01 | cs

Valašský soubor Jasenka

1953-01-01 | cs

Seize

Exploring the obsessive, compulsive, and competitive side of the dance world, Seize deconstructs the festive, enchanting, and imperfect image of Quebec folklore. It is through the synchronicity of movement, concomitant rhythms, the appropriation of space, and tangible coincidences that the jiggers convey their passionate obsession with this art.

2019-06-13 | fr

Previanti

1999-05-18 | cs

Valašské tance

1949-01-01 | cs

Bulgaria: Fire Dance Ritual

Every year in June, the small Bulgarian village of Balgari celebrates St Constantine with a special ritual. Initiated ‘nestinari’ go into a music-induced trance and dance on bonfires in a display of religious passion.

2020-01-01 | de

Fašánek

1949-01-01 | cs

Christmas Wafer

Lovely overview of traditional Slovak Christmas.

1977-12-24 | sk

Piesne Liptova

1954-01-01 | sk

Punky Night at Hinton St. George

Children parade through the streets of Hinton St George in Somerset on the last Thursday of October. Children have hollowed out pumpkins or mangelwurzels, a type of animal fodder turnip to make lanterns following a tradition in this part of West Somerset that coincides with Halloween. Punky or Punkie Night is thought to date from the turn of the 20th century or perhaps medieval times chanting rhymes and following a Punkie King and Queen.

1977-10-27 | xx

Ayrudzi

The members of the Ayrudzi troupe travel across various villages of Armenia on horseback and put on folk song and dance concerts and shadow theatre performances for the locals.

2017-01-01 | hy

Estráda

1953-01-01 | sk

Mi arma

A young drag queen from Andalusia exposes the difficulties of adding aspects of her homeland culture to her artistic expression.

2019-11-10 | es

Venerdì Santo - Bronte

2021-04-01 | it