Panazz: The Story

“Panazz: The Story” gives an intimate look at the Trinidadian jazz steelpan ensemble primarily from the perspectives of four of its key players, Barry Bartholomew (leader), Dane Gulston, Natasha Joseph, and Donell Thomas. The musical phenomenon began in the early 1990s when Barry Bartholomew and Yohan Popwell formed the ensemble initially to compete in Pan Ramajay, a competition that sought to highlight the improvisational skills of individual pannists in small ensembles. After winning four consecutive years, Panazz pulled out of the competitive arena to embark on their professional journey which saw them captivate international audiences with their electrifying performances in renowned venues spanning from Boston Symphony Hall to some of the finest concert halls in Japan. At the core of the film lies the groundbreaking music produced by Panazz for its five CDs. At the heart of Panazz itself was an immense love that bound the players as a collective unit. Together, they contributed to the elevation of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.

Benediksyon // Bendición (Benediction)

Two immigrant men of the Caribbean and Latin American diaspora reflect on their religious beliefs, past experiences and memories… from displacement, exile, and personal struggles within their own native countries to finding a sense of place and community in Homestead, Florida through the guidance of human perseverance and religion.

Canto Errante (Wandering Song)

A little girl narrates the myth of original sin: A tear in the garden of Eden. On the other side of that crack, a cold bare bedroom. On the faded wall, a little piece of lost paradise.

Pienso Mucho en la Foto que no Tomé (I Think a Lot about the Pictures I Didn’t Take)

Due to the lack of memories in Samuel’s childhood, the need to create a file of his close circle, his generation and context is generated; Composing a film diary of brief scenes, portraits of his loved ones, of the city of Santo Domingo and La Romana, based on images made by him and his friends. Thus creating his own memory. It is a celebration of life, a gesture of love towards his environment and those around him.

Take It Back

A young woman asks for help from the mythical character Oshun, from the Orisha religion, to heal her traumas.

1Place!

The film “1Place!” is an experimental motion picture which combines classical music, animation and still images. In this film, the viewer is invited to observe the physical environment surrounding the artist, who is depicted standing motionless in the centre of wide-framed shots. The short is filmed at various locations in Trinidad and challenges its viewers to seek depth in simplicity.

Allen Zweifeln zum Trotz (Against All Odds)

Younus does not give up…despite all the doubts! Fascination is glued to the strange but familiar father figure and mixed up with a growing longing for real intimacy. Cautiously testing and expanding boundaries, Younus is playing a risky game. When the tension finally unloads, he questions the deeper foundation of the fragile relationship.

Yuta

Matias and Franco, two Argentinians who are passionate about football, come to Brazil on a ride to follow the team they love: Chacarita Juniors. In “Yuta”, after suffering violence and police abuse, they both decide to strike back at the aggressors, even if it means the end of their lives.

Un Pessic de Mel (A Pinch of Honey)

A mother and daughters relationships gets troubled by debt and the impossibility to make them happy. Faced by their harsh reality, they will make the most of their lives by adding small moments of happiness, as if they were pinches of honey.

Martwe Małżeństwo (A Dead Marriage)

Filip works as a professional movie extra and he always plays roles of dead bodies. On the set of a historical film, he meets Lucy, who also happens to be an extra, playing a role of a dead woman. Whilst laying on top of each other during long filmmaking hours a bittersweet relationship develops between them in the unusual circumstances.

Panazz: The Story

Benediksyon // Bendición (Benediction)

Canto Errante (Wandering Song)

Pienso Mucho en la Foto que no Tomé (I Think a Lot about the Pictures I Didn’t Take)

Take It Back

1Place!

Allen Zweifeln zum Trotz (Against All Odds)

Yuta

Un Pessic de Mel (A Pinch of Honey)

Martwe Małżeństwo (A Dead Marriage)

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