Recently I watched the 2000 movie “Vengo” by Tony Gatlif – a French director, musician, screenwriter, producer and actor of gypsy and Algerian descent. He is known for his films, most of which explore the culture and worldview of the gypsy people.
I first became interested in this movie after seeing an opening scene online, where a celebration brings together a beautiful musical experience – a fusion of flamenco with Sufi music. It features a Spanish Gypsy family and a North African one. The performance and music are exciting, and the cinematography is stunning.
Shot of the first scene of the 2000 movie “Vengo”
The movie is set somewhere in Andalusia (near Sevilla?) and immerses you in the life of a Gypsy family navigating a long-standing dispute with a neighboring family.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the director’s focus on music and culture. The film features many extended scenes showcasing different types of performances—from typical “sobremesa” singing after a long meal to spontaneous dances in the middle of a road and a wedding with a heartfelt acoustic performance of guitar and voice.
My Danish girlfriend was particularly struck by the singing—how loud, passionate, and dramatic it is. She could feel the sadness and how sometimes it felt like the singers were about to cry. Of course, flamenco singing (cante flamenco) often expresses deep sorrow. Many traditional flamenco styles (palos) explore themes of heartbreak, loss, oppression, and suffering, reflecting the struggles of Andalusian communities, especially the Romani people, from whom flamenco originated.
A great watch, very recommended.