Program

ZKM_Cube, 6 p.m.
World premiere of the film »Paraiba Meu Amor« about the Brazilian Forrò, with the French accordionist Richard Galliano, the Brazilian guitarist Chico César, and others.


Kulturzentrum Tollhaus, Karlsruhe, 8 p.m.
Concert with Richard Galliano and Chico César for the film Paraiba
Meu Amor
In the context of the Basel-Karlsruhe-Forum 2008

The world premiere of the documentary film »Paraiba meu Amor« about the history, present, and threatened future of Forrò music of the Brazilian northeast will occur as part of the Basel-Karlsruhe-Forum taking place from 25–28 January at ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe. Immediately following the film, the Kulturzentrum Tollhaus will present the world premiere of the relevant musical project with the film’s two protagonists, the French accordion star Richard Galliano and Brazilian guitarist and song writer Chico Cesar.

In Paraiba, one of Brazil’s poorest provinces, Forrò is the musical identifier for the people from the region. Regardless of whether someone originally comes from Africa, India, or Europe, Forrò is the ideal expressive means for their hopes and disappointments. In "Paraiba meu Amor", a film team from the Swiss film production dev.tv, a non-commercial production company specialized in socio-politically engaged films, will accompany the European musician Richard Galliano on a journey to the source of strength of Forrò, heavily influenced by the sound of the accordion, and his encounters with several of the most important Brazilian accordionists.

Chico César, who grew up with Forrò, acts as a competent guide, travel and musical companion for the European. They embark on a research expedition that takes in both the scenic stimuli and burning social issues of Brazil’s northeast and a fascinating musical culture strongly threatened by pirate copies and the ignorance of the regional media.

Galliano and César will make an exclusive visit to Karlsruhe for the film’s world premiere, with a specially compiled ensemble that combines their musical experiences and makes a strong musical plea for Forrò music.

Richard Galliano, born in Cannes in 1950, is considered Europe’s most outstanding accordionist and for years has delighted jazz fans throughout the world with his play, oscillating between French musette, tango, and jazz.

Chico César, born in 1964, is one of Brazil’s most inspired song writers and has available a seemingly endless repertoire of shimmering gems and along with Carlinhos Brown is considered one of the most prominent representatives of the current Música Popular Brasileira.

Organization / Institution

ZKM