Alan Lomax was not only a ‘songhunter’ but also a talented documentary-maker. Between 1978 and 1985 he made five documentaries under the title ‘American Patchwork’. That's why AB sought a suitable partner in Brussels for the cinematographic aspect of its Alan Lomax project. We were welcomed with open arms by Cinematek, the renewed Royal Belgian Film Archive. In the Viewing Space - as the living-room cinema is known (due to being inextricably connected to the exhibition space) - you can view Lomax' complete PATCHWORK SERIES every day until 27 October 2009. Furthermore, 4 related documentaries have also been programmed, of which a number of screenings will receive prior introduction.
‘Lomax, The Songhunter’ (Kappers, Rogier, The Netherlands, 2004, 93')
Documentary about the life and work of Alan Lomax, the ethno-musicologist who spent decades travelling the world to record folk music. With an introduction by British folk-songstress Shirley Collins, who accompanied Lomax in 1959 on his most important journey through the United States.
9/10/2009 – 7:00 pm
Cinematek, Ledoux Hall
‘Awake, My Soul: the story of the Sacred Harp’ (Hinton, Erica & Hinton, Matt, USA, 2006, 75')
Seven years of filming delivered the first documentary on sacred harp singing, devotional choir music that is rooted in the South of the United States. With an introduction by Nathan Salsburg, staff member of the Alan Lomax Archive in New York.
13/10/2009 – 7:00 pm
Cinematek – Ledoux Hall
‘M for Mississippi: a road trip through the birthplace of the blues’ (Blaylock, Damien, Konkel, Jeff, Stolle, Roger, USA, 2008, 94')
Two self-confessed blues fanatics (Konkel and Stolle) travel through the Mississippi delta for a week in order to figure out how active the local blues scene still is. With images of the likes of T-Model Ford.
21/10/2009 – 8:00 pm
23/10/2009 – 6:00 pm
Cinematek – Plateau Hall
‘Genghis Blues’ (Belic, Roko, USA, 1999, 88')
Documentary about American bluesman Paul Pena's friendly association with Tuvan throat-singers, whose exceptional technique he is also able to use, much to his own surprise.
22/10/2009 – 6:00 pm
25/10/2009 – 8:00 pm
Cinematek – Plateau Hall
More info about the Alan Lomax tribute here.
