Masters of the Balafon Series color, 221 min (plus 54 min of extras) - In this remarkable series, director Hugo Zemp documents the balafon instrument, a xylophone with calabash resonators, which is emblematic of the Senufo people of the Côte d’Ivoire. Filmed with prodigious finesse and social integrity, this series has been referred to as “a major achievement in visual documentation”. The series is comprised of the following four films:

The Joy of Youth color, 70 min (plus 9 min of extras)
The Joy of Youth communicates the exceptional vitality of the balafon instrument throughout northern Côte d’Ivoire society, from its symbolic role in providing rhythm for fieldwork to energized dance nights and coming-of-age ceremonies. Apart of the Masters of Balafon Series.

Friend, Well Come! color, 27 min (plus 21 min of extras)
A part of the Masters of the Balafon series, Friend, Well Come! documents the use of the Balafon, an emblematic musical instrument in northern Côte d’Ivoire society, through the emotionally intense proceedment of a ceremonial burial ritual.

Funeral Festivities color, 80 min (plus 25 min of extras)
Employing unforgettable images, director Hugo Zemp engages in dialogues with master balafon players, giving phenomenal insight into the purpose of the balafon within northern Côte d’Ivoire funeral traditions. A part of the Masters of Balafon series.

The Wood and the Calabash color, 47 min
The Wood and the Calabash documents an experienced balafon maker manufacturing the musical instrument, which is a vital social device among the northern Côte d’Ivoire people. A part of the Masters of Balafon series.