Gypsy Zeitgeist: Films by Tony Gatlif

Written by Yo-Duh
Published March 12, 2007
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Occasionally a filmmaker succeeds in capturing an authentic aspect of human life and culture. That's always a triumph in this age of formulaic plots and endless sequels. The obscure and intense movies of Tony Gatlif certainly qualify as modern screen gems. Gatlif weaves colorful and musical tapestries of European Gypsy life that are powerful portrayals of one of the oldest and most misunderstood cultures on the planet, the Roma.

Gatlif's 2000 film, Vengo, is set in a dusty Gypsy village in southern Spain. Almost all of Spain's passionate flamenco music is performed by Gypsies. And Vengo is notable for the abundance of raw, authentic flamenco performances that are showcased in the film. Even grandma, La Abuela, gets into the act with an a capella performance that couldn't possibly be any more emotional. The rhythms of flamenco come from the soul of Spanish Gypsies, and this movie gives viewers a glimpse of what that really sounds, looks and feels like.

(leer +) [vía blogcritics.org]

tags: flamenco, baile, cante, flamenca