Watch Separado!

"Separado!" is a 2010 documentary film that tells the story of Welsh musician Gruff Rhys as he ventures into his ancestral country of Argentina in search of his long-lost cousin, Rene Griffiths. Along the way, Gruff meets a number of colorful characters, including the enigmatic South American musician Tony Da Gatorra, who becomes a key collaborator in his musical journey.

The film is directed by Dylan Goch and produced by Catryn Ramasut, and is a unique blend of documentary and road movie. It offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of Welsh and Argentinean music, exploring themes of cultural identity, family ties, and the transformative power of music.

The film begins with Gruff Rhys introducing us to his world: a dingy, cluttered recording studio in Cardiff, Wales, where he works on his solo music as well as his band, Super Furry Animals. He tells us about his cousin Rene, who he lost touch with back in the 1980s after Rene moved from Wales to Patagonia.

Determined to find Rene and reconnect with his roots, Gruff embarks on a journey to Argentina. First stop is Buenos Aires, where he meets Tony Da Gatorra, a quirky Argentinean musician and inventor who builds his own instruments out of discarded materials.

Gruff and Tony hit it off immediately, and the film takes on a surreal, dreamlike quality as they embark on a series of bizarre and often hilarious musical adventures. They perform at a children's hospital, visit a remote indigenous village, and stage impromptu concerts in the streets and local bars.

Along the way, Gruff delves into the history of Welsh immigration to Patagonia, where the Welsh language and culture have managed to survive for over a century. He meets a number of Welsh expats, including a group of Patagonian musicians who have blended Welsh and Argentinean musical traditions to create a unique sound.

The film also explores the theme of family ties, as Gruff finally reunites with Rene and meets his extended family. Rene, it turns out, is a talented musician in his own right, and the two cousins collaborate on a haunting new track about their shared history.

Throughout the film, Gruff's infectious love of music and quirky sense of humor drive the story forward, and the stunning Argentinean landscapes (from snow-capped mountains to desert plains) provide a breathtaking backdrop.

In the end, "Separado!" is a cinematic journey that defies easy categorization. It's a music documentary, a road movie, a travelogue, and a family saga all rolled into one. But most of all, it's a celebration of the power of music to connect people across cultures and borders.