Alan Lomax (1915-2002) was a song collector. For a big part of his life, he travelled around the world with his recording equipment, hunting for the prettiest folk songs. Lomax recorded ordinary people, who gave their heart and soul in front of his microphone. In radio programmes, Lomax warned us that we were squandering age-old music traditions at rapid speed.

The film maker visits Lomax one year prior to his death. He cannot speak with him anymore, because Alan has been brought down by a brain haemorrhage. The filmmaker decides to search for people Lomax recorded. He travels through Europe in an old Volkswagen. His journey leads him past desolate Scottish islands, through the withered interior of Spain and to isolated Italian mountain villages. Sometimes it's hard to find back people or music. On other moments he discovers true gems. Old farmers, day labourers, housewives and shepherds do the best they can to sing their prettiest song. The search is combined with conversations with colleagues and friends of Lomax. Throughout the movie, every now and then we return to a frail but happy 86-year old Lomax. In this passionate and musical roadmovie we slowly discover why folk music can be so pretty and what could have once possessed the legendary Alan Lomax.

 

Writer & Director ROGIER KAPPERS

D.O.P. ADRI SCHROVER NSC

Sound & Sounddesign HAROLD JALVING

Editor JOS DRIESSEN

Producer JOOST VERHEY
MM FILMPRODUKTIES