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Drums from the Past (1971)

Drums from the Past (1971)

Documentary
Release Date: 1971, January 1
Directors: Jean Rouch
Countries: France
Production: Comité du film Éthnographique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS Images, CNRS Images

Overview:

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.

Keywords:

ritual exorcism dance niger