Impromptu
Poetic and Ethnomusicological documentary about the Slavic Songs of Macedonia
About
Impromptu is a poetic and ethnomusicological documentary about the Slavic Songs in the greek part of Macedonia.
It involves itself with themes of identity, memory, the passage of time and the conflict between collective stories against institutional historiography.
Background
Since the birth of nationalism in the balkans, a series of violent historical processes have taken place in the region, that have reshaped the demographics and the cultural landscape of the area.
Throughout the 20th century, the Greek state has forbode the speaking of other languages within its territory, using a variety of methods. Singing in another nationally "adversarial" language was forbidden as a result.
This prohibition still echoes in the region. You can hear it in the way people speak and think, but even in the way the institutions of today still enforce this ban either directly or indirectly.
Process
Shooting took place from 2021 to 2024 in the regions of Korestia, Prespa, Edessa and Florina. Many trips were made, each one with a different lens, as understanding was built gradually.
In hindsight this was a process of improvisation and it's reflected in the final work. I was oblivious at what the final product would look like when i started, but I let it be shaped by the people I met, and the stories they told me.
A More Personal Note
This documentary is also a product of a personal exploration process of how music lives in tension, incorporates collective memory, can be an alternative voice to dominant narratives and identity building. Especially in the context of my "extended home", the mediterranean and the balkans.
Thanks
I would like to thank Chrysoula Papadopoulou for the generosity with which she welcomed us, for the music she gifted us, for her company and the walks in Florina, Korestia, Prespa, and Ohrid. For sharing with us her knowledge and personal research, as well as the active and dynamic spirit that she passed on to us.
I would like to thank Dine Doneff and Fotini for the wonderful company, the delicious meals they cooked for us, the conversations, and the tour of Edessa. For all the stories and experiences they shared with us. For their advice, guidance, and everything they showed and taught us. For their time and the trust they offered us so freely.
I would like to thank Christos, whose conversations with him were the starting point for engaging with this subject. For introducing us to Florina and Meliti, for the company and the walks we took in the natural landscapes of Florina and its villages, in Prespa, Korestia, Bitola, and Pelister.
I would like to thank the band Makedoniko Meraki, who, despite their tightly packed summer schedule, devoted time to talk with us and shared their good spirit and personal stories.
I would like to thank Nikos for his help, his car, and his company.
Finally, I would like to thank all the people I met along this journey, who shared their time with me and so generously offered their stories and their help.