Music does not require official language to be understood. The heart knows, the mind knows, and when there is love behind the beat, borders are blown into a trillion pieces. That’s the power of music.
That’s what happened to two musicians from Tel Aviv and it’s why they traveled to Jamaica to record an album with forgotten reggae artists. “Congo Beat the Drum” follows Ariel Tagar (Kalbata) and Uri Wertheim (Mixmonster) from their basement studio in Tel Aviv all the way to the Kingston ghettos and countryside as they look for their favorite singers of days gone by.
The film will be screening at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP, located at 30 John St., Brooklyn, N.Y. Call 212-465-8200 for more information.
Ariel and Uri went old school. They refused to use any computers in the process whilst blending in elements of techno, psychedelic funk and African roots music. They encounter an eccentric and often challenging culture while trying to achieve their goal. Described as a “unique film,” it follows the musical journey into the forgotten corners of reggae of the 1970s and 1980s, giving a rare glimpse into the smoky, dusty world of Rub-a-Dub and its past champions such as Jah Thomas, Little John, Trinity, Echo Minott, Mutabaruka, Major Mackerel, Puddy Roots and the sadly recently departed Prince Jazzbo. That’s old school with roots and a perfect vantage point to explore the music’s past and classic tracks.
There will also be a screening of the short film “Egress” by Sean M. Field of Barbados, which was filmed in New York City in 2014. The short is about Elliot Bishop’s journey. He is homeless and searching for hope in a world that doesn’t know he exists. He’s given up all he has except for distant memories of happier times. From the coffeeshop to the sidewalk and the cemetery, the city is his stomping ground. There is no navigation system to guide him through hunger and self-doubt. All he can do is continue to sharpen his skills and strengthen his resolve as he prepares for the challenge of his lifetime. “Egress” is a story of a man forced to evolve from his past to transcend the painful sacrifice of the present so he can bravely grasp the opportunity to create his future.
For more information, visit www.caribbeanfilm.org.