Speaking in Tongues

About This Movie

Speaking in Tongues is this unique blend of documentary and avant-garde jazz that just pulls you in from the start. It's not your typical jazz film; it’s almost like a visual poem with its rhythm and pacing. Doug Harris captures these intense performances from musicians like David Murray and Milford Graves, who really push the boundaries of sound. You can feel the energy in the air, but there's also this reflective quality thanks to Amiri Baraka’s poetic insights. The way it uses visuals almost feels like a jazz improvisation itself—sometimes chaotic, sometimes serene. It's rare to find films that dive so deeply into the essence of music while also engaging with broader themes of culture and identity. Really a fascinating piece, if you can get your hands on it.

Rarely seen workFunded by ZDFExplores culture and identity