As the world becomes more digitized, human beings begin to seem much less physical. Sometimes it feels as though people have no clue what to do with their bodies anymore. But in Barcelona's Gypsy community, the flame of Flamenco burns as brightly as it did in the 18th century, when dancers and singers first started performing in public.

"Bajari," directed by Eva Vila, is a documentary focusing on one family that has lived and breathed Flamenco through many generations — not in schools or studios but in homes, in bars and on the street. The centerpiece of the documentary is Karime Amaya, whose mother, Winy, is an iconic Barcelona dancer. Mother and daughter are to perform at a huge local Flamenco event, but Karime knows neither she or Winy can compete with the ghost of the late Carmen Amaya (Karime's great aunt).

Carmen was the one who brought Flamenco to mainstream attention, and there's even a public monument erected in her honor in Barcelona. Karime wants nothing more than to merge her dancing with her great aunt's memory and even if it takes 16 hours of practice a day, she'll do it. Her absolute dedication will leave you awestruck and inspired.

Bajari (Gypsy Flamenco)
Rating
DirectorEva Vila
LanguageSpanish (subtitled in Japanese)
OpensNow showing