Tamazgha, also referred to as the Berber world, is the geographical space encompassing all Amazigh people, including the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, North of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Libya, and the West of Egypt. On January 12th, Moroccan Amazighs, alongside those belonging to the aforementioned territories, celebrate the Amazigh New Year or Yennayer.
The word Yennayer is an amalgamation of the Amazigh words “Yenn” (one) and “Ayur” (month). It is, unequivocally, a period of time that is marked by joy amongst families and friends, and a unique occasion of cultural revitalization and exuberant social activities whereby memories are brought to life.
Without any qualms, Amazigh people are known for their captivating folklore and rich culture. Their musical style was what inspired Tarek El Idrissi, a Moroccan filmmaker, to produce a movie about this rich culture and promote it internationally.
The core idea of the film was a scenario in gestation for almost 2 decades. Tarek and his cousin shared the same dream of coming up with a North-African-music-based documentary. Armed with a camera and a guitar, they wanted to cross the whole North African territory and meet the Amazigh tribes, from the Atlantic Ocean bordering Morocco to the western outskirts of Egypt. Howbeit, the adventure remained a dream and the ambition could not be realized due to long-running conflicts and problems in several countries.
The director finally decided to make a movie called “Sound of Berberia” that will be premiered, later, in movie theaters and will coincide with the new Amazigh year.
The film tracks down the Amazigh roots through their musical vibrations. During their search for the Berber sound, the protagonists will tread on lands rocked not only wars but also by religious and political conflicts.
Kino, a musician from the Canary Islands, craved to find the genuine Amazigh rhythm. For this reason, he travels to the Rif region of Morocco, where his friend Fouad resides.
For his part, Fouad’s life is upside down, but he still has his greatest buddy, his drum set. Fouad comes from a conservative family who was pressuring him to wed a girl he doesn’t love. Kino invites his friend to break free from this arranged marriage and join him in his quest for the true Amazigh sound. Fouad is reluctant at the outset but decides to join his friend on his journey.
On the road, they meet a journalist, named Amina, who will lure them into believing that she knows a famous director in Mali, only to find out later that she had lied to them.
The group will be captured afterward by the terrorist group AQIM, based in the Malian desert, and freed by the Tuaregs who will provide, in an interview with the journalist, another dimension to life in the desert and in the Sahel region.
The story is not finished yet and the hunt for the perfect Amazigh melody will continue in movie theaters.
Assgass Amayno Ambarki