Maghreb Flamenco

MAGHREB FLAMENCO is the first short documentary by Flamenco Biënnale NL made in 2008. With Cherifa Kersit (1967), the 'Cheikha' - the grande dame - of the singing tradition of the Berbers from the Moroccan Middle Atlas Mountains and guitarist Niño Josele (1974), protégé of Paco de Lucía, a descendant of a gipsy dynasty from the South Spanish Almería. The flamenco guitar mingles with the lotar, the Berber lute; and the raw Berber songs alternate with the "Cante Jondo", deep flamenco song. Together they built musical bridges, or rather, restored the old connections across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Directed by —, Maghreb Flamenco leans on a strong ensemble — Niño Josele, Cherifa Kersit — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2008.