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Original Film Title: Jaliya-A Storytelling of Jali Kunda
Director’s Name: Timothy Francisco Lima, Ebrima Mbye
Writer’s Name: Timothy Francisco Lima, Ebrima Mbye
Director of Photography: Arne Folsen
Producer: Timothy Francisco Lima, Ebrima Mbye
Country of Origin: Portugal
Country of Filming: Gambia
Language: English
Runtime: 26 minutes 20 seconds
Film Description:
Jaliya – A Storytelling of Jali Kunda is a short documentary that explores the music, stories, and traditions of the Jali (Griot) of The Gambia—storytellers, musicians, and historians. Created by Timothy Lima and Ebrima Mbye, the documentary follows the journey of this Gambian musician, who lives in Lisbon and returns to his homeland to reconnect with his roots and share the vibrant world of the Jali.
The son of the legendary kora master Alagi Mbye, serves as a guide through this rich cultural mosaic. Through intimate interviews, captivating kora performances, and the enchanting sounds of traditional music, the documentary reveals how the Jali preserve history and maintain the social and spiritual fabric of their communities.
More than just music, the Jaliya tradition is a way of life—a centuries-old storytelling practice, which dates back at least to the 13th century, that connects generations. As the modern world evolves, the documentary captures the delicate balance griots must strike between preserving their ancestral legacy and adapting to change.
Jaliya – A Storytelling of Jali Kunda is a moving celebration of the griot way of life, reminding us of the enduring power of music and storytelling to preserve culture, unite generations, and keep history alive in an ever-changing world.