The Scopitone programme (admission free) shows remarkable music documentaries in the Kleine Zaal of the Rotterdam Schouwburg. The fifth edition of this series of film will again be introduced by music connoisseur and film collector Fenno Werkman, and includes the documentaries Blackhearts (Norway, 2016) and Cairo Jazzman (Germany, 2017).
Films inside ‘Scopitone’
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The Wonderful Kingdom of Papa Alaev
Noam Pinchas, Tal Barda 74′If anyone still doubts that musical talent is hereditary, this documentary provides convincing proof. Not that a tyrannical patriarch is necessarily an ideal teacher. The success of the Tajiki ‘Jackson family’ hides many psychological, ideological and even religious tensions. The music, however, continues to impress.
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New Voices in an Old Flower
Quino Piñero 69′Westerners generally view Ethiopia as the mythical land of Rastafarians. However, the contemporary music scene is much richer than that, as this sultry, nocturnal exploration of the capital Addis Abeba demonstrates. From reggae to hip-hop and from free jazz to electronic sampling: diversity rules.
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Cassette: A Documentary Mixtape
Zack Taylor 93′If only you'd kept them! After vinyl, cassettes are also making a comeback. Contemporary hipsters, midlife daydreamers and octogenarian pioneers idiosyncratically declare their love for the handy format. With musicians Henry Rollins and Thurston Moore, and a leading role for Dutch inventor Lou Ottens.
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Placebo: Alt.Russia
Charlie Targett-Adams 67′Fifteen years after they first played in Russia, British band Placebo tour there again. To keep things interesting they seek out like-minded alternative musicians, artists, designers and performance artists along the way. A disturbing look behind the scenes of a heavily controlled society.