J’ai été au bal – FILM POP

If the 2020 release of P’tit Belliveau’s debut record “Greatest Hits Vol. 1” is any indication, la musique acadienne is as exhilaratingly alive as ever. Outside French Canada, its impact is perhaps most strongly felt in the American South, where it influenced the footstompin’ sounds of Cajun and Creole/Zydeco music. Film POP is pleased to present the brand new restoration of J’ai Été Au Bal. Independent documentarian Les Blank (Burden of Dreams, Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers) is famous for his expansive filmography covering the little-seen and stranger pockets of America. Enamoured with food, music, and culture, Blank found his perfect subject in Southwest Louisiana, producing the definitive film about this rollicking and heartfelt subgenre. Featuring interviews with many of the style’s key practitioners, J’ai Été Au Bal is both a solid primer and fitting tribute to the music of French Southwest Louisiana.

Presented by Film POP and Black Theatre Workshop