The Desert Rocker is an intimate, witty and profound portrait of the extraordinary Hasna El Becharia, a pioneer Gnawa artist. The first musician to break through the social barrier of this culture, she empowers and inspires women of all ages by reclaiming a musical tradition reserved for men for centuries . A singularly talented artist, she leads women to redefine their roles and challenge cultural norms , one musical performance at a time.
Cesária Évora made the music of the Cape Verde islands famous throughout the world in the early 1990s. This film is an introduction to the culture, music and zest for life of the Cape Verdean people. On the occasion of the famous carnival of Mindelno, on the island of São Vicente where Cesaria Évora was born, this documentary offers a musical journey to discover "Sodade" and its legacy. Cesaria Évora, who died in 2011 after a twenty-year career, has allowed Cape Verde to shine throughout the world. The "barefoot diva", considered the queen of the morna has conquered the world and inspired many Cape Verdean artists. The small archipelago, which was for several centuries an important hub of the slave trade has promoted since then an important ethnic mix, which has played an important role in the evolution of local music.
The film chronicles the life of Waluyo, a confident young puppeteer who is fighting to pursue his career. The various obstacles he went through did not make him give up on living life. Even it becomes a lighter to continue working. However, the Covid-19 pandemic strikes and changes his perspectives to survive. He also has to be realistic and has to adjust to the situation.
Irama Betawi is the name of an ondel-ondel group that still actively busks in Jakarta. Sometimes they busk on the streets. Other times, they are invited to play on special occasions. Through their journey taking public transportation to move from one corner of the city to another crowded corner, we get to know the day-to-day life of a dynamic group of people who are eager to make a living.
