CinemaOSMovie · 1971 · 0h 9m

Drums from the Past

63%(10)IMDbDocumentary

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.

Directed byJean Rouch

Status: Released
Runtime: 0h 9m
Language: FR
Released: January 1, 1971

Studios

CNRS Images

Comité du film ÉthnographiqueCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Featuring

Cast & crew

Creative team

Directed by: Jean Rouch
Written by: Jean Rouch

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