As always under the Wawel Hill, and for the first time near Łaźnia Nowa in Nowa Huta, expect an explosion of sounds, this time marked by African rhythms. Three artists, Alex Gibney, Mika Kaurismäki and Joe Berlinger, will present their fascination with the music of the region. They will be joined by Polish music documentary specialist Maciej Bochniak.
The screenings will feature the legends of the African scene: remarkable vocalist Mariam Makeba and brilliant singer Fela Kuti, both very much involved in liberation movements and human rights. You will be able to enjoy Ethiopian, Nigerian and South African music as well as the compositions of Paul Simon, who makes a comeback to play with the locals after so many years.
Ethiopiques – Revolt of the Soul
Thirty years ago, Francis Falceto, a French musicologist, discovered the phenomenon of Ethiopian music – a unique fusion of traditional music with jazz, soul, funk or rock’n’roll – and promoted it in Western countries. Its heyday was in the early 1970s and ended with introduction of the military dictatorship in Ethiopia. The film brings together some archival footage and contemporary utterances of various artists and tells the story of music that survived despite any political or social changes.
HBO Europe production currently available on HBO Max
Finding Fela!
“Finding Fela” tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, his music, his social and political importance. He created a new musical movement, Afrobeat, using that forum to express his revolutionary political opinions against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. His influence helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria and promoted Pan Africanist politics to the world. The power and potency of Fela’s message is completely current today and is expressed in the political movements of oppressed people, embracing Fela’s music and message in their struggle for freedom. Finding Fela was directed by the Academy Award winning director, Alex Gibney.
Mama Africa
Mariam Makeba, the most beautiful voice of Africa, was a symbol of the dreams and hopes of the continent, which was gaining independence. This excellent artist who performed with the biggest and the best never forgot about racism and boldly acted against apartheid. Her second husband, Stokely Carmichael, was a Black Panther activist. Born in South Africa, she had to spend a large part of her life in the US. She went back to her homeland only after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Makeba died in 2008.
PGE Energia Ciepła SA and Radio Kraków are the partners of “The Sound of Music” section.
Screenings of films in the “The Sound of Music” section:
- Ethiopiques – Revolt of the Soul, dir. Maciej Bochniak, Poland, 71’
Monday, May 30, 21:30 – Open air cinema
Thursday, June 2, 21:30 – Łaźnia Nowa
- Finding Fela!, dir. Alex Gibney, USA, 119’
Wednesday, June 1, 21:30 – Open air cinema
- Mama Africa, dir. Mika Kaurismäki, Germany, South Africa, Finland, 90’
Tuesday, May 31 21:30 – Open air cinema
Friday, June 3, 21:30 – Łaźnia Nowa
- Under African Skies, dir. Joe Berlinger, USA, 101’
Thursday, June 2, 21:30 – Open air cinema