Blind, American bluesman Paul Peña was going through a very tough period in his life, particularly after having lost his wife, when he came across a CD of Tuvan throat singing, with which he absolutely fell in love. (Tuva is a region in southern Siberia, just north of Mongolia.) Peña not only taught himself throat singing and incorporated it to his blues, but also began to learn the Tuvan language by translating words from a Tuvan dictionary into Russian and then English, as he couldn't find a Tuvan-English dictionary. (Keep in mind the guy was blind.) He then made contact with the Tuvan music community and flew there to join them. He might as well have traveled across the galaxy.
It's amazing how, despite the language and cultural barriers, Peña was able to establish a deep connection with his Tuvan hosts through a shared passion for music, particularly with the celebrated throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar, who took him under his wing during the visit. Seeing these two men jam and interact with each other, I had to wonder whether perhaps they'd been brothers in a previous lifetime. To think that they came from opposite sides of the world...
Like Peña, the film's audience is treated to the generous spirit of Tuvan society. What hospitality! While the region wouldn't seem to offer much in terms of material luxury, their culture puts things into perspective and raises questions regarding our own values. As cliché as it might sound, they show there's nothing in life like shared joy, human warmth and communication. And that's pretty much what this film is all about!
It's true that one may find more sophisticated photography and editing in other documentaries, but what this one lacks in technical virtuosity, it more than makes up for in heart. Beautiful and bittersweet, this is one film not to be missed.
It's amazing how, despite the language and cultural barriers, Peña was able to establish a deep connection with his Tuvan hosts through a shared passion for music, particularly with the celebrated throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar, who took him under his wing during the visit. Seeing these two men jam and interact with each other, I had to wonder whether perhaps they'd been brothers in a previous lifetime. To think that they came from opposite sides of the world...
Like Peña, the film's audience is treated to the generous spirit of Tuvan society. What hospitality! While the region wouldn't seem to offer much in terms of material luxury, their culture puts things into perspective and raises questions regarding our own values. As cliché as it might sound, they show there's nothing in life like shared joy, human warmth and communication. And that's pretty much what this film is all about!
It's true that one may find more sophisticated photography and editing in other documentaries, but what this one lacks in technical virtuosity, it more than makes up for in heart. Beautiful and bittersweet, this is one film not to be missed.