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Trances (El Hal)
by Ahmed El Maanouni (Morocco, 1981, 86 min, DigiBeta)
New York Premiere Co-sponsored by the World Music Institute.
March 31, 2008 6:30 PM
Cantor Film Center, New York University, 36 East 8th Street, New York City.
Synopsis
Recently selected and restored by Martin Scorcese and the World Cinema Foundation, Trances is a captivating exploration of the musical group Nass El Ghiwane, which consists of five Moroccan musicians who decided to break with the invading "oriental languors." Through their songs, the film speaks about traditional social themes but also the great contemporary questions that gave voice to a musical explosion that constitute the shout of their desires, frustrations and revolt for the young generation. The trance, a ritual and sacred expression among the Gnaouas of Essaouira, transforms itself in a secular and modern delirium, manifested in public concerts filmed in Carthage, Agadir and Paris.
Post-screening discussion with Deborah Kapchan (NYU)
Filmmaker's Biography
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1944, Ahmed El Maanouni has been an active contributor to North African cinema since the 1970’s. His film credits include Eyes of the Gulf (1985), The Moroccan Goumiers (1992), the documentary trilogy Morocco France: A History in Common (2005-6), and Burned Hearts (2007). His seminal film Trances, recently recognized as a masterpiece and restored by the World Cinema Foundation, won the First Prize ESEC, and the Prix du Public in Rabat. The restored print premiered at the Cannes Classic 2007 upon Martin Scorsese’s selection.
Festivals and Awards
The Cannes Classic 2007
Print Source
SOGEAV-OHRA
16 bis rue Lauriston
FR 75016 Paris
Tel : +33 1 40 67 96 02
Fax : +33 1 40 67 94 98
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