:: Swing

From even its humblest beginnings, music has been a fundamental element within many cultures. A universal language, it serves as a living testament to the traditions of a people; a lasting expression of origin and identity. Swing is a film about Gypsies and their culture, their histories and most importantly their music. Suffering fierce genocide during the Holocaust and confined to concentration camps, the Manouche Gypsies are hesitant to speak of their past. Many died and as a result of this, very little is known about the group and their culture. But the spirit of the Manouche has survived the persecution and finds a musical testimony within the film Swing.

Set in the Alsace countryside, Swing tells the tale of a young boy named Max (Oscar Copp), sent from the city to stay with his grandmother over the summer holidays. Before long, Max befriends local Manouche Gypsy Swing (Lou Rech), who convinces him to trade his walkman for a guitar apparently once belonging to the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. A gadjo or non-gypsy, Max is introduced to the Gypsy culture by his new friend and rapidly becomes captivated by their way of life. Taking up guitar lessons with local guitar legend, Miraldo (Tchavolo Schmitt), Max learns much about the Manouche and their music; a unique form of jazz known as Swing Manouche.

From two different worlds, Max and Swing develop a friendship like no other. Filled with adventure, their days are spent exploring the world around them whilst inadvertently learning much about each other and themselves. Energy exists between the two young actors - a quality essential to the dynamics of the film- and a love unaffected by prejudice evolves. Swing is very much a tale about broadening the mind and the heart.

Although not considered a documentary, Swing stars a number of genuine Swing
Manouche musicians including Tchavolo Schmitt an established gypsy guitarist highly regarded amongst the Manouche. Fascinated by Schmitt and his musical comrades, director Tony Gatlif went to great lengths to feature the artists and much of the performance sequences are snatches of reality rather than premeditated reproductions. Standby for some breathtaking musical interludes as Swing puts forth its honest insights into the essentially unconventional gypsy way of life.

Screening at the Lumiere Cinemas