SONG OF LAHOREdirectors/writers: Andy Schocken/Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; cinematographer: Asad Faruqi; editor: Flavia de Souza; Runtime: 82; MPAA Rating: PG; producers: Andy Schocken/Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; Broad Green Pictures; 2015-Pakistan/USA-in Urdu with English subtitles)
“A soul-stirring likable profile of Pakistani traditional classical musicians (sitar-and-tabla) who do jazz at NYC’s Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
A soul-stirring likable profile of Pakistani traditional classical musicians (sitar-and-tabla) who do jazz at NYC’s Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis. Writers and directors Lincoln Center.Andy Schocken/Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy capture the joyous performance on film.
The musicians from Lahore, once a cultural center in Pakistan, changed drastically when Sharia law was enacted in the late seventies and their music was banned. Sachal Studios was started to find work for the unemployed musicians. To get more listeners the studio founder Izzat Majeed proposed they get into jazz. After a sitar version video of “Take Five” goes viral worldwide, the group is invited to come to New York for a joint jazz concert with the Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Observing the musicians prepare for their visit and at their rehearsals, is all good. The result is a crowd-pleaser.
REVIEWED ON 11/29/2015 GRADE: B-
Dennis Schwartz: “Ozus’ World Movie Reviews”
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