Throw Down Your Heart (2008)

Director:

Sascha Paladino

Genre:

Documentary | Family | Music

Plot:

A film crew follows the well-known banjo player Bela Fleck on his travels to Africa, where he learns about the instrument's origins. |

Plot Keywords:

Africa | Banjo | Travel | Musician | Xylophone

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Bela Fleck	...	Himself
The Jatta Family
Bassékou Kouyaté	...	Himself
Anania Ngoliga	...	Himself
Oumou Sangare	...	Herself
Djelimady Tounkara	...	Himself
Haruna Walusimbi	...	Himself

Runtime:

USA:97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French | Bambara | Jola-Fonyi | Swahili

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Gambia

Quotes:

Haruna Walusimbi: There is this negative thinking about Africa. There is nothing good in Africa. They are beggars, there is HIV/AIDS, they are at war all the time. But that is just a very small bit of what Africa is.

Uncle Bela's Bringing It All Back Home (the Banjo...to Africa,that is)

World music lovers of the world,unite! This is the film you have been waiting for. Just a few short years ago,master Banjo wizard,Bela Fleck traveled to Africa,with a few Banjo's in hand,along with his half Brother,documentary film maker,Sascha Paladino (who also captured Bela in his documentary short,'Obstinato:Making Music For Two'),a film & sound crew,to study the origins of the Banjo,and where it came from (and to also record a new CD). What they (as well as us, the audience)got was not just a tutorial on the Banjo & it's origins,but the open window of opportunity to jam with several master musicians in such African nations as Uganda,Tanzania, Gambia & Mali. This is one of those rare films that not only is a genuine joy to watch (the superb camera work & razor sharp editing really bowled me over),but to listen to (we get to see & hear several African folk songs,as well as some of Fleck's own compositions by Fleck & the master musicians & singers,as well). Anybody who knows their onions about African folk & pop music will surely be over joyed by their favourites on screen. Spoken in English & French,Bambara,Jula-Fanyi & Swahili with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,but contains absolutely nothing to offend even the most blue nosed prude.