Karoo Kitaar Blues

Hannes Coetzee and David Kramer 
This documentary follows Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club formula. An acclaimed musician, (David Kramer) sets off to find the last players of a lost and dying form of music (Die Ou Musiek - the old music) played by virtuoso marginalised geriatrics.

But the formula works. The film captures a forgotten part of South Africa and culture. Kramer seems genuine and engaging. Read more about his reasons for doing the documentary.

The remote communities and characters he meets are facinating and nothing if not idiosyncratic. The camera work and editing, is at times conventional. (Standard mini bus driving past a town sign-post shots etc.) But also at times it observes with care and captures intimate moments. A good documentary.

Could this documentary together with Ingrid Jonker documentary signal the birth of theatrical released documentaries in South Africa? We do hope so.

Karoo Kitaar Blues (2000)

Director: Liza Keys

Actors: David Kramer; Hannes Coetzee; Jan Cloete; Jan Willems; Dawid ‘Loks’ van Rooi; Helena Nuwegeld; Siena Mouers; Jan Mouers; Koos Lof; Tokas Lodewyk

A synopsis of the film can be found here.