Chan Centre Connects Series: Gypsy Caravan

Presented by The Chan Centre Connects Series and Pacific Cinémathèque

Described as “the Buena Vista Social Club for Gypsy music,” this thrilling feature documentary, directed and produced by Jasmine Dellal, juxtaposes the dazzling musical world of the Roma people with the real world in which they live. Taking us on a musical journey from Romania to Spain to Macedonia to India, the film features five internationally renowned Gypsy musical ensembles, capturing them both at home, in the realities of their everyday lives, and on the road together in the U.S. as part of 2001’s Gypsy Caravan concert tour. The film was shot by legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Grey Gardens), and was an audience favourite at the 2006 Vancouver International Film Festival. “Joyous ... Deserves to have its brilliant colors, lavish costumes, and vivacious musical numbers seen on the big screen. More than a vibrant experiment in ethno-musical cross-pollination, it’s just great fun, tempered by loss but rippling with gusto” (Jim Ridley, Village Voice). 110 mins.

This special screening of Gypsy Caravan has been organized in conjunction with the Chan Centre’s presentation of Spain’s celebrated flamenco performers Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca, who perform at the Chan on Saturday, January 21 at 8:00 pm.

The Chan Centre Connects Series presents outreach activities related to visiting artists performing in the annual concert season at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC.