Thread: Movie: Gypsy Caravan

It doesn't have belly dance, but I think it is closely related, since it is about Romani music: I am just back from watching that movie http://www.gypsycaravanmovie.com/ which is a documentary about a tour of different Romani musicians through the US a few years back, and I am blown away. The music was fabulous, and the views on the musicians and their comments on life in general, were really interesting. I haven't quite wrapped my mind around it, I have come away with a lot of new thoughts how prejudice can take many different forms. And, what still leaves me surprised is the male dancer from Rajasthan who danced in a woman's costume (glitterdot was spotted), and did a knee dance, fast turns around the floor on his knees, which looked very unhealthy.

Anyways, seems that this movie is after being restricted to festivals for a long time released for theaters now. Highly recommended, great music, and full of information.

Oh, and to brag: My friends of the band Ishtar played in front of the theatre before and after - naturally, I didn't just watch, but danced in the streets ;-) Good times were had by all.

I saw the live show when the tour came through our town. It was so awesome! I have been waiting for them to come back ever since. I would like to own this movie.

It played in my town about a month ago. It is a good movie. Didn't see live show in nyc sold out. What was really interesting is one part of the film the prejudice still exists in our "politically correct" society. Made me understand and appreciate the music so much more.

Alrana

I went to see the movie on Monday (playing here in Dallas at the Angelika theatre on Mockingbird). I enjoyed the music (some of which I already have from various forays into "world music") but I particularly liked their trips back to the musicians home countries . . . so you could get a sense of who they are and where they came from. It was very interesting to find out a band would be supporting their whole village . . . like bringing electricity to the place, LOL! Some things we take for granted.

I think ESMA has a fabulous voice and it was equally fascinating to hear her talk about not being able to have children so she and her husband raised 47 children over the years . . . some of them are playing in her band!!

Another documentary that I have on video is "The Romany Trail", which I found very interesting to watch when I got it years ago . . . more info than what is in this one . . but it is a different approach.

Now I think I need to go find that set of CDs that I have of many of these musicians . . .