A unique film about a night of trance (“Lila de Derdeba”) in a Gnawa family in Essaouira, Morocco. The Gnawa are descendants of West African slaves who have preserved their musical and therapeutic ritual. The entire ceremony is filmed from the preparation (buying the sacrificial animals) to the following morning at sunrise. The film takes us, body and soul, beyond the music to reveal the splendor of a universal message that has travelled through time to celebrate life. Featuring Mahmoud Guinea, one of the greatest Gnawa masters in Morocco, and his partner Malika.
Sign in to add to your listWhat critics are saying
Verdicts use the same scale as your list: highly recommended through avoid — plus optional scores and blurbs.
Nobody on Critic, Sir! has logged a verdict for this title yet. The silence is either respectful or suspicious.
Sign in and use Add to My List below to share your own verdict.
Watching Lists
Sign in to create and edit public lists.
Loading lists…
Purchase & Discovery
Find this title on Amazon
Digital
Prime Video & digitalAmazon mixes rent, buy, and Prime in one place — one search covers the usual options.
Physical edition
4K Blu-ray & physical releasesSearch on AmazonOfficial merchandise
Official-style merch searchApparel, collectibles, and moreAs an Amazon Associate, Critic, Sir! earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure