On Tuesday 24 September at 19:30 and on Wednesday 25 September at 21:30 we will screen in cinema Utopia the musical documentary Encardia, the Dancing Stone (Greece, 2012, colour, 82 min) by Angelos Kovotsos. The film is in the Greek original version (partly in Italian) with Εnglish subtitles. Suitable for all ages.
Film Summary
The film follows the Greek band Encardia which composes and presents music and songs inspired by the rich musical tradition of Southern Italy.
The Griko people are an ethnic Greek community found principally in regions of Calabria and Apulia. They are believed to be remnants of Greek communities that arrived to southern Italy (the old Magna Graecia region) in numerous waves of migrations from the 8th century BC through to the Byzantine Greek migrations of the 15th century caused by the Ottoman conquest.
The Griko community has been able to preserve its original Greek identity, heritage, language and distinct culture, although exposure to mass media has progressively eroded its culture and language.
Encardia has travelled to Southern Italy in search of local folk culture. They have met with local musicians, poets and researchers, who try to preserve this powerful Mediterranean tradition with their songs and poetry. In addition to the music, they are interested in Tarantella pizzica, a local variation of the well-known Italian dance, which has acquired magical, religious and therapeutic dimensions.
