Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart

When world-renowned banjoist Béla Fleck realized that his instrument had lost its musical heritage, he decided to make a pilgrimage to Africa to rediscover the banjo’s folk music roots.

Overflowing with the incredible music of Fleck and the many celebrated folk musicians who hosted him in Africa, BÉLA FLECK: THROW DOWN YOUR HEART follows the banjo virtuoso on a musical adventure that takes him from Uganda to Tanzania and from the Gambia to Mali. As he travels through the continent to research the history of the banjo and record an album with some of Africa’s finest musicians-and, in his words, “to make great music.” Fleck discovers the rich and diverse musical traditions of Africa, as well as the warmth and generosity of its people.

Through its stunning location footage, enthusiastic jam sessions, and hauntingly beautiful music, director Sascha Paladino’s multi-award-winning BÉLA FLECK: THROW DOWN YOUR HEART captures one of the world’s greatest musicians demonstrating how music transcends languages, cultures and continents.

DVD Features

Audio Commentary with Bela Fleck and Director Sascha Paladino; Deleted Scenes and Musical Performances

Awards

2008 SXSW Film Festival-Audience Award

"...not just a stunning documentary and soundtrack, but an important work of artistic memory and conscience."
- Los Angeles Times

"With Throw Down Your Heart, Bela Fleck has contributed significantly to the history of the banjo, as well as inventing a style of music never before played on this great instrument."
- Steve Martin

©2008 The Old School, Ltd. Art and Design ©2009 New Video Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Marketed and distributed in the U.S. by New Video.

Posted in Docurama, Music, Profiles/Biographies | Tagged africa, banjo, genre: documentary, music, profile, travel