Watch Song From The Forest

"Song From The Forest" is a poignant documentary film that follows the unlikely journey of American musicologist, Louis Sarno, as he immerses himself completely in the music and culture of the Baka forest people of central Africa. Sarno first ventured to the Central African Republic in 1985 and eventually made his way to the remote community of Bayaka, where he was entranced by the strikingly beautiful music he heard coming from the forest. Determined to document and preserve the music, Sarno segued into the life of the Baka and lived there for a quarter of a century.

Through Sarno's lens, we see the people of Bayaka, their homes and their traditional way of life. We also see the daily challenges the community faces, as they struggle to preserve their proud traditions while also confronting the pressures of modern life. But at the heart of the film is the story of Sarno himself, as he grapples with the profound impact the Baka culture has had on him, and the realization that he may have to leave their sacred forest to fight for their rights on a global stage.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its visual beauty, as director Michael Obert captures the magnificent setting of the Baka forest - from the stark beauty and atmospheric humidity to the stunning animal life and flora. The cinematography is complemented by the hypnotic sounds of Baka music, which underscores the many powerful moments throughout the film.

Sarno, who unfortunately passed away in 2017, is a compelling and enigmatic subject who grapples with his own identity throughout the movie. It is clear that the music of the Baka people has forever changed Sarno, as we see him go from an outsider in the community to becoming fully immersed in their culture. Through his eyes, we gain a deep appreciation for the Baka as a people, who have managed to survive in the face of numerous adversities.

The film also raises important ethical questions about the preservation of indigenous cultures in a globalized world. Sarno's determination to document and preserve the Baka's musical heritage is admirable, but as the story progresses, we begin to see the conflict between the preservation of the culture and the desire of the Baka to develop and modernize. This struggle is especially poignant in light of the political and economic turmoil present in the Central African Republic in recent years.

In the end, "Song From The Forest" is a breathtaking tribute to the power of music and the importance of preserving indigenous cultures. Through Sarno's eyes, we see the world in a different way and are invited to reflect on the beauty and fragility of our existence.

The film has been praised for its raw beauty and stunning cinematography, earning high marks from critics and audiences alike. It also features a haunting musical score by the Grammy-nominated composer, Alex Heffes, who is known for his work on films like "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," and "The Last King of Scotland."

"Song From The Forest" is a must-see for anyone interested in the power of music and the beauty of indigenous cultures. It is a tribute to the Baka people, whose struggle for survival inspires us all."

Song From The Forest is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 70.