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Iraq N' Roll
- Written and Directed by: Gili Gaon
- Produced by: Dani Haimovich - Station Films Ltd.
- Sponsored by: Israel Channel 2, Gesher Foundation, Avi Chai Foundation
- Language: Hebrew & Arabic with English subtitles
Synopsis
In this intimate and poignant film about family, culture and identity, filmmaker Gili Gaon follows popular contemporary Israeli rock musician Dudu Tassa as he embarks on a deeply personal journey to reconnect with the musical legacy of his grandfather, Daud al-Kuwaity. Daud and his brother Saleh – the al-Kuwaity Brothers –, Jewish musicians who lived in Iraq in the 1930’s, were the most celebrated musicians and composers of their time, often performing in the court of the King, and are still considered to be the creators of modern Iraqi music. When they immigrated to Israel in the 1950’s, however, their middle-eastern music was not embraced by the Western-oriented cultural establishment of the nascent state, and they became marginalized and almost forgotten. On his moving quest to rediscover his cultural heritage through his grandfather’s music, Dudu decides to devote his next album to new and more contemporary reinterpretations of the al-Kuwaity’s works, creating a dialogue between the generations, and helping to restore this suppressed musical and cultural legacy to its rightful place within the rich and diverse tapestry from which modern Israeli culture and identity have been woven.
Images
Festivals
- Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2012
- NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2012
- New York Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2012
- DocAviv Gallil, Israel, 2011
- Vermont International Film Festival, USA, 2011
- Seattle Jewish Film Festival, UAS, 2012
- DocAviv Gallil, Israel, 2011
- Calgary Jewish Film Festival, Canada, 2011
- Jerusalem International Film Festival, 2011
Educational
- Arizona State University
Press and Links
Iraq ‘N’ Roll tracks charismatic Israeli rock musician Dudu Tassa’s search for his musical heritage and how he creatively channels the past through his contemporary beats.
For the entire review by Nora Lee Mandel/The Jewish Forward, check: http://film-forward.com/documentary/the-2012-new-york-jewish-film-festival
Ayelet Dekel review in midnighteast.com
The Screening of IRAQ N' ROLL took place on Sunday. It was fantastic!!! We had a good-sized audience, and they totally LOVED the film! When it ended, there was a huge and very long applause. I saw lots of teary eyes and kleenex tissues. And many people came up to me afterwards to tell me what a beautiful film it was, and how moved they were. Gili Gaon's film is so well-made, that she draws the audience into Dudu Tassa's story, and creates a deep empathy with Dudu, his family and, especially, with the music itself. It was definitely a highlight of this year's festival.
Harvey Cyngiser - Director
Calgary Jewish Film Festival
