Drums from the Past

Drums from the Past1971


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.

Released
14. 7. 2026
Runtime
9 min
Genres
Documentary
Certification
NO
Country, language
FR · FR
Community rating
5.9 · 7 votes