The Ancestors (2018)

The Ancestors (2018) poster

This film follows John Kitime, a Tanzanian musician now in his 60s, as he sets out on a mission to put together an all-star band from the old days to revive the classic sound of Zilipendwa music. Along the way, he meets the people who played key roles in the music scene of Tanzania during the struggle for independence and the nation's formative years under the first president, Julius K. Nyerere. As Kitime plays with the band, spends time with musicians and digitizes reel-to-reel tapes from the 1960s and '70s, he reveals a fascinating and little-known story about the power of music to bring together a people and a nation.

Director: Rebecca Corey, Amil Shivji
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 93 min
Release Date:

Screenplay

Editing: Rebecca Corey, Amil Shivji
Country: Tanzania
Language: Kiswahili
Original Language: sw
More Films by Director: Rebecca Corey, Amil Shivji
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Ancestors about?
This film follows John Kitime, a Tanzanian musician now in his 60s, as he sets out on a mission to put together an all-star band from the old days to revive the classic sound of Zilipendwa music. Along the way, he meets the people who played key roles in the music scene of Tanzania during the struggle for independence and the nation's formative years under the first president, Julius K. Nyerere. As Kitime plays with the band, spends time with musicians and digitizes reel-to-reel tapes from the 1960s and '70s, he reveals a fascinating and little-known story about the power of music to bring together a people and a nation.
Who directed The Ancestors?
The Ancestors was directed by Rebecca Corey, Amil Shivji.
How long is The Ancestors?
The Ancestors has a runtime of 1h 33m (93 minutes).
What genre is The Ancestors?
The Ancestors is a Documentary film.
Where was The Ancestors produced?
The Ancestors was produced in Tanzania.