Drums from the Past (1971)
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.
Director: Jean Rouch
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 9 min
Release Date: January 1, 1971
Screenplay
Production: Comité du film Éthnographique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS Images
Country: France
Language: Français
Original Language: fr
Keywords
dance, ritual, exorcism, niger
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Drums from the Past about?
- 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.
- Who directed Drums from the Past?
- Drums from the Past was directed by Jean Rouch.
- How long is Drums from the Past?
- Drums from the Past has a runtime of 9m (9 minutes).
- What genre is Drums from the Past?
- Drums from the Past is a Documentary film.
- Where was Drums from the Past produced?
- Drums from the Past was produced in France.