Song From The Forest: A Transcontinental Story of Life, Love and Music
Written by Jacob Appet
American ethnomusicologist Louis Sarno was so enchanted by Central African Pygmy music that he set a personal goal to not only meet the indigenous Bayaka population, but to become a permanent resident of the traditional hunter-gatherer society.
Song From The Forest, which had it’s New York City premier at DOC NYC on Saturday, documents both Louis’s lifestyle in Central Africa and a journey home to New York City with his Bayaka son Samedi. The audience sees the city simultaneously through two riveting and diametric lights–a weathered native becoming increasingly disconnected from his origins, and a young traveler experiencing an alien world for the first time.
Over the course of his visit, Sarno reunites with an ex-girlfriend, his suburban-dwelling brother, and old friend Jim Jarmusch. The revered filmmaker provides context for Louis’ radical life-path by describing how the the two connected early on over their shared skepticism of dominant cultural narratives.
Director Michael Obert, addressing a packed house for his post-screening Q &A, described how he became involved with the project. He happened to be traveling in the region when he heard rumors of a white man living amongst the Bayaka tribe and was compelled to seek him out.
“I stepped in this clearning, and there’s 100 Bayaka screaming towards me with their spears,” an experience that felt entirely “out of time,” Obert recalled. Suddenly a silence fell upon the tribe, and out of the brush emerged Louis Sarno, clutching two Bayaka babies to his chest. “It was like out of a Hollywood movie or something,” mused Obert. Not knowing what else to do, Obert extended his hand to Sarno. This marked the beginning of their intense friendship and a two-year immersion in the Bayaka culture–which transpired before it even dawned on Obert to make a movie.
The Bayaka way of life is sadly under threat by poachers who pilfer the forest for its wildlife. Louis was originally drawn to the region for the music, and has donated to the Western world over 1,000 hours of priceless Bayaka recordings that span a near-30 year period. But his role in the community has evolved to far more than just ethnomusicologist. He uses his limited means to improve the lives of his neighbors in any manner he can. Speaking directly to the camera, two of the Bayaka describe Louis’ role in society as a caretaker. “When you’re sick,” states a middle-aged Bayaka man, “Louis saves your life.”
Unfortunately there is only so much Louis can do to help his village from existential threats. Obert passionately urged the audience to visit www.songfromtheforest.com and donate money to help the struggling society. “It’s not important how much you donate…the important thing is that you go home and do it. It goes directly to the Bayaka community.”
For more about Song from the Forest, visit the film page on the DOC NYC website.
Jacob Appet is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @jacobappet
