The Songs Of Old Europe - Ancient Belarusian Folk Songs
DOCUMENTARY ABOUT VANISHING CULTURAL TRADITIONS OF BELARUS
WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY VOLYA DZEMKA,
WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY VOLYA DZEMKA,
This unique 60 min. feature length educational documentary (available in English and Belarusian) was created with the purpose of introducing people of the world to the beauty and richness of the oldest unaltered folk songs of Europe as they sounded, were performed and carried through the centuries by Belarusian villagers – ancient Belarusian folk songs.
Short Synopsis
Film introduces viewer to the beauty of ancient Belarusian folk songs with the help of the authentic footage from 1900's, narration, interviews with the last carriers of the unique tradition and experts (Aleh Hamenka, Ivan Kirchuk, Tamara Varfalameeva and others), footage from 2011 ethnographic expedition made in effort to collect and record the ancient history of the oldest European folklore, vivid animations and graphics.
In the film we define the cause of the Belarusian folk songs phenomenon, the origins, what are the songs about, the specifics of singing style and techniques and find out how did songs sound more than a thousand years ago, way before familiar medieval tunes.
In the film we define the cause of the Belarusian folk songs phenomenon, the origins, what are the songs about, the specifics of singing style and techniques and find out how did songs sound more than a thousand years ago, way before familiar medieval tunes.
Among the segments are:
- "Origins" – a brief excursion into the Belarusian history
- "Preservation" – a contemplation about the contributing factors of the phenomenon of Belarusian Folk Songs
- "Singing" – classification of Belarusian songs by their territorial origins and performing style ("loud voice" technique)
- "Lyrics" – what songs are about and how we can identify "how old" a particular song is using clues from the lyrics. This segment is the most vivid and entertaining: it talks about everyday activities of Belarusian people, battles, love and ancient mythology
- "Songs Today" – the deplorable state of the songs today and speculations about their future
Release, Promotion and Distribution
Documentary was complete in April 2016 and now it will be submitted to festivals and TV channels. Distribution of the film will start after participation of the film in festivals is over, and it will be based on the "Set Your Own Price" model. Documentary will be available as FREE digital download, with an option of making a donation during or after the download.
