Cajun Visits (1983) by Yasha and Carrie Aginsky
Sunday, September 30, 1984, 8:00 pm
Cajun Blues on Film
Yasha and Carrie Aginsky in person
Filmmakers Yasha and Carrie Aginsky celebrate the soulfully expressive folk music of America’s ethnic cultures. Like Les Blank, this San Francisco-based team prefers to situate (rather than extract) music in its grassroots context. Les Blues de Balfa (1983, 28 min.) focuses on that renowned Cajun band, the Balfa Brothers, and their family’s musical heritage. Cajun Visits (1983, 29 min.) highlights the rich diversity of background and style to be found among the musicians in this rural southwest Louisianan culture. Both feature performance footage and interviews with virtuoso Cajun musicians speaking candidly about their art and lives. Shot in 1971, Afghan Ways (1979, 8 min.) offers impressions of that country’s “people, their work, customs and gestures, and their music.” The only commentary is the musical soundtrack. Also included will be Shoutin’ The Blues, Sonny Terry, a short portrait of the great blues musician.