In her debut film, director Emma Franz captures the creative odyssey of Australian drummer Simon Barker in search of his muse, Korean Shaman Kim Seok-Chul — a Grand Master in his seventies who plays with immense energy and complex technique. After hearing a rare recording of Kim Seok-Chul’s music, Barker knew right away that he was listening to one of the world’s greatest improvisers. So unique, in fact, is the artistry of the Shaman that the Korean Government bestowed upon him the honorary title “Intangible Asset Number 82,” recognizing him as the pre-eminent practitioner, Grand Master and protector of his art form. Intrigued, Barker commits to find and learn from the enigmatic master. Yet Kim Seok-Chul proves elusive, despite the fame accompanying his official honor as being South Korea’s 82nd Intangible Asset.
Despite seven years of setbacks and obstacles, and with the Shaman now in his eighties, Barker’s commitment intensifies and he returns to Korea for the seventeenth time. Imbued with a sense of destiny, the journey becomes a rite of passage as Barker experiences life-changing encounters with the engaging and exotic characters who eventually lead him to the Shaman. Intangible Asset Number 82 is a true testimony to the universal language of music and its transformative power.
Already a worldwide film festival favorite, SOUND OF THE SOUL transports viewers on an exhilarating and inspiring cinematic journey into the heart of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music.
SOUND OF THE SOUL celebrates the historic city of Fez, an ancient sanctuary for Muslim, Jewish and Christian inhabitants. This North African desert Mecca is the ideal location for an exceptional music festival that brings together a gospel band from Harlem, the ethereal sound of Irish vocal group Anuna, a transcendent chorus of African Berber women, a soul-wrenching Portuguese Fado singer, a French early music ensemble, and players and vocalists from Afghanistan, England, Russia, Ireland, Mauritania, and Turkey. All are intermixed with unforgettable Moroccan Sufi performers and all are connected through their artistry by profound expressions of love and faith.
In a world increasingly polarized by religious conflicts and fundamentalist forces, SOUND OF THE SOUL reverberates with unity, understanding, and most of all, hope. This thought-provoking documentary film vividly portrays the universal language of music and an Arab country where people of different faiths and cultures have lived together in relative peace for centuries.
SOUND OF THE SOUL includes a bonus CD featuring the music of:
Francoise Atlan & the Mohamed Briouel Orchestra – (France-Morocco) Farida Mahwash & the Kabul Ensemble (Afghanistan) Anuna (Ireland) Samaa Sahraoui (Morocco) Tariqa Harraquia (Morocco) The Sirine Choir (Russia) The Tallis Scholars (United Kingdom) Nass El Ghiwane (Morocco) The Sirine Choir (Russia) The McCullough Sons of Thunder (United States)
“A handsome documentary…intensely rhythmic and ecstatic.”
-Variety
“The music you will see in this film is extraordinary, and its message of healing is extraordinary.”
-Peter Scarlet, Executive Director, Tribeca Film Festival
Sound of the Soul DVD + CD
Price:
$34.98
Item #:
ALV-DV-13
Availability:
USA & Canada
Running Time:
150 minutes plus bonus CD
Technical Aspects:
Dolby Digital, 16:9,
NTSC Region 0
DVD Extras:
Additional music performances, interviews with spiritual leaders, interfaith discussions various bonus features, web and ROM features
In her debut film, director Emma Franz captures the creative odyssey of Australian drummer Simon Barker in search of his muse, Korean Shaman Kim Seok-Chul — a Grand Master in his seventies who plays with immense energy and complex technique. After hearing a rare recording of Kim Seok-Chul’s music, Barker knew right away that he was listening to one of the world’s greatest improvisers. So unique, in fact, is the artistry of the Shaman that the Korean Government bestowed upon him the honorary title “Intangible Asset Number 82,” recognizing him as the pre-eminent practitioner, Grand Master and protector of his art form. Intrigued, Barker commits to find and learn from the enigmatic master. Yet Kim Seok-Chul proves elusive, despite the fame accompanying his official honor as being South Korea’s 82nd Intangible Asset.
