For this edition of Ritmu Roots Festival, Ritmu presents two ethnographic films tracing two performance traditions: għana and the ritual of stambeli. For this special screening, join us as we look into the ins and outs of these two traditions. The screening will be followed by a discussion on these two films with the films’ directors.

Il-Budaj – Bejn l-Art u s-Sema. A film by Adrian Camilleri (12’ -2024)
In this short ethnographic film, anthropologist and artist, Adrian Camilleri, pays tribute to the late Frans Baldacchino, fondly known as ‘Il Budaj’. The film delves into the tripartite life of this renowned għannej poet and artist, exploring the diverse facets that made him a central figure in Malta’s cultural landscape. Camilleri captures the essence of Budaj’s legacy by following the poet’s friends, family, and collaborators. Through their voices and stories, the audience embarks on a poignant journey, honoring the contributions of Frans Baldacchino, which left an indelible mark on għana and cultural heritage.

Stambeli, The Spirits’ Last Dance. A film by Augustin Le Gall (32′ – 2023)

This film includes archival content from the Frans Baldacchino ‘Il-Budaj’ Collection, courtesy of Magna Żmien.

In Tunisia, a mysterious cult of possession heals and delivers. It is Stambeli, a secret ritual born in the melting pot of different cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. Incantations, curative trance and sacrificial rites… With Stambeli, the spirits’ last dance, director Augustin Le Gall and the journalist Théophile Pillault shed light on a little-known part of the social and cultural history of Tunisia.

Filmed between the sanctuary of Sidi Ali El Mekki on the Mediterranean coast, and the heart of the Medina of Tunis, the 3 part documentary film explores this ritual threatened with extinction, through the portraits of three protagonists: the young master of ceremony Lotfi Karnef, Riadh Ezzawech, one of the last Arîfas (mediums) of Tunisia, and Amine Metani, a young electronic musician who is inspired by this heritage.

Accessibility: Spazju Kreattiv is accessible by wheelchair on the parliament side of the building.

Price: Free, but booking is required.

This event is supported by the Embassy of France in Malta and Alliance Française de Malta Mediterranée.

Further details click here