Drums from the Past
Originally released in 1971. Drums from the Past is a documentary film. directed by Jean Rouch. At just 9 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Synopsis
Filmed in May 1971 in Niger, this short documentary records a possession ritual performed by the Simiri people in response to a locust invasion. The ceremony centers on the beating of the archaic drums Tourou and Bitti, used to invoke spirit forces through music, dance, and trance. Shot in a single continuous take, the film documents a concentrated moment of collective ritual practice, reflecting Jean Rouch’s first-person ethnographic approach and direct participation in the event.
Quick Facts
Release Date
January 1, 1971
55 years ago
Runtime
0h 9m
9 minutes total
User Rating
5.9/10
Mixed (7 votes)
Language
French
Original language
Country
France
Production
Director
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- FR
Production Companies
- Comité du film Éthnographique
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
- CNRS Images
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drums from the Past about?
Filmed in May 1971 in Niger, this short documentary records a possession ritual performed by the Simiri people in response to a locust invasion. The ceremony centers on the beating of the archaic d...
Who directed Drums from the Past?
Drums from the Past was directed by Jean Rouch.
How long is Drums from the Past?
Drums from the Past has a runtime of 0 hours and 9 minutes (9 minutes total).
When was Drums from the Past released?
Drums from the Past was released on January 1, 1971 in theaters.