Raï Story: From Cheikha Rimitti to Cheba Djenet (2004) [N/A]
Featuring:
Cheikha Rimitti, Cheba Djenet, Cheba Dalila
Written by:
Ahmed Rachedi
Madeleine Verschaffelt
Directed by:
Ahmed Rachedi, Madeleine Verschaffelt
Release Date:
December 1, 2004
Original Title:
حكايات الراي
Genres:
Documentary | Music
Production Companies:
Les Fils Chafik Fathallah
MISR International Films
Ognon Pictures
Zentropa International Sweden
Production Countries:
Denmark | Egypt | France | Lebanon
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 55
From Cheikha Rimitti to Cheba Djenet
Raï Story is a musical journey in search of the Raï legend, Cheikha Remitti, in Oran, Algeria, where the Raï musical tradition began. In 1923, the first Raï singers performed behind screens during ceremonies to protect their identity. It was only when the music of singer Cheikha Remitti began to gain popularity among the general public that Raï music was made public, in the 1940s. Cheikha Remitti, who lives between Paris and Oran, is nowhere to be found, the filmmakers then decide to meet producers, musicians, singers like Cheba Dalila or Cheba Djenet, for whom Remitti created a wake. The opportunity, through these unique stories, illustrated with archive images, to retrace the important place of women in this musical tradition and the transformation of Raï music from the 1960s to 2000.
Filmmakers Madeleine Verschaffelt and Ahmed Rachedi take us on a musical journey with RAI STORY, starting in the Algerian city of Oran, where the rai musical tradition began. In 1923, the first rai singers performed from behind screens at weddings and festivals so that their identity would be protected. It was only when the music of rai singer Cheikha Remitti began to gain popularity with the masses that the music was brought into the open, beginning with Remitti's first public performance in 1940. While on their quest to interview the legendary Cheikha Remitti, the filmmakers meet with singers such as Bouthelja Belkacem, Cheba Dalila and Cheba Djenet. They trace the transformation of rai music through the 1960s, '70s, '80s and '90s, exploring the careers of the musicians that have helped to keep this musical tradition alive. Although rai has been adapted for each new generation, its popularity has remained constant. It is not the pop music of today, but the sweet voices of rai you can hear spilling from the streets, shops and cafes of Oran.
