Iraq N‘ Roll

Written and Directed by: Gili Gaon
Doc, 52 min, 2011
Language: Hebrew & Arabic with English subtitles

In this intimate and poignant film about family, culture and identity, filmmaker Gili Gaon follows popular contemporary Israeli rock musician Dudu Tassa as he embarks on a deeply personal journey to reconnect with the musical legacy of his grandfather, Daud al-Kuwaity. Daud and his brother Saleh – the al-Kuwaity Brothers –, Jewish musicians who lived in Iraq in the 1930’s, were the most celebrated musicians and composers of their time, often performing in the court of the King, and are still considered to be the creators of modern Iraqi music. When they immigrated to Israel in the 1950’s, however, their middle-eastern music was not embraced by the Western-oriented cultural establishment of the nascent state, and they became marginalized and almost forgotten.

On his moving quest to rediscover his cultural heritage through his grandfather’s music, Dudu decides to devote his next album to new and more contemporary reinterpretations of the al-Kuwaity’s works, creating a dialogue between the generations, and helping to restore this suppressed musical and cultural legacy to its rightful place within the rich and diverse tapestry from which modern Israeli culture and identity have been woven.

Awards
Best Documentary Award – Sole e Luna International Film Festival, Italy, 2012
Gold Remi Award – WorldFest Houston, USA, 2012
Special Ger Orchestra Award – Jewish Motifs International Film Festival, Poland, 2012

Festivals
Ottawa Synagogue, Canada, 2017
The Jerusalem Cinematheque, 2015
East Bay Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2013
Yerba Buena Center, USA, 2013