Event

Throw Down Your Heart

(Sascha Paladino, USA, 2008, Beta-SP, 97 min)

Associated most often with folk, bluegrass and country music, many think of the banjo as a quintessentially American instrument. But in fact it is African in origin. Award winning documentary Throw Down Your Heart follows banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck as he travels through Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali in search of the little known roots of his instrument and cross-cultural musical collaborations. A multiple Grammy-winner for jazz, bluegrass and classical recordings, Fleck suddenly finds himself a wide-eyed novice as he encounters a dizzying array of African languages and cultural traditions. But his musical conversations with both talented amateurs and international stars such as n'goni lutenist Bassekou Kouyate and Malian diva Oumou Sangare are testaments to music's ability to connect people across superficial divides. Directed by emerging auteur (and Flecks younger brother) Sascha Paladino, Throw Down Your Heart is an enthralling journey and a moving celebration of music and humanity.

"Engaging. Were reminded how powerful--and empowering--music can be." --Variety