Drums from the Past (1971)

• Documentary

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.

Rating

6.3 / 10 (10 votes)

Release date

January 1, 1971

Runtime

9m

Language

French

Director

Jean Rouch

Status

Released