SOUND OF THE SOUL - Press Reviews

“The intersection between spirituality and world-music is pinpointed in "Sound of the Soul,"

a handsome documentary about the Fez Festival in Morocco. The event, which takes place annually in the North African city renowned for its history of tolerance, offers attendees a platform where they can tie together music and faith as a universal bondä The main attraction is the lineup of frequently astonishing acts glimpsed and (more importantly) heard. They range from ethereal Irish vocal group Anuna and mournful Portuguese singer Katia Guerriro to choirs devoted to early Euro-Russo sacred music. Groups from outside the West are often intensely rhythmic and ecstatic, though most raucous is New York City brass band Sons of Thunder. There's great sonic variety among the Moroccan acts alone. Wide-format DV lensing and sound recording are first-rate.”

- Dennis Harvey VARIETY

“This film is a well-needed reminder that religion and spirituality cannot be divorced from the human experience. And in the face of all the violence done in the name of religion, this movie makes us remember that even though the words are different, often times we are singing the same song”. - Alana B. Elias Kornfeld BELIEF.NET

“In the best tradition of selfless concert films, Sound of the Soul is of, about, and for the music, albeit in its "exotically" picturesque setting, which is shown in great detail.”

- Janos Gereben Post Newspaper Group

“The global rise of religious fundamentalism and its frightening effect on international politics can make mutual respect and dialogue between people of different cultures and faiths seem like an impossible dream. But as this thoughtful documentary shows, music is a language that is understood by every faith. A moving testament to the healing power of music, Sound of the Soul offers a microcosmic vision of what a culture of tolerance can achieve and gives hope that such an approach might spread to the world outside Fez.”
- Kellen Quinn Tribeca Film Festival

“As Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Stephen Olsson takes us into the narrow, winding streets of this ancient walled city, we encounter an astonishing array of performers: a Russian Orthodox choir, Moroccan desert nomads, a Portuguese Fado singer, Sufis chanting themselves into trances, a Harlem gospel group whose "Oh, Happy Day," played on tuba and trombone, brings down the house. One of the film's most haunting moments comes when Farida Mahwash sings Rumi's "Song of the Flute." The reed, crying after being cut from the riverbed, echoes the pain of the human soul that's been separated from its source. "Islam does not say that music is bad," Mahwash states. "It is only the mullahs and the so-called ‘scholars’ who forbid it. These people claim that 'prayer' only happens in a mosque. Their ignorance causes great misery."

- Maui Film Festival

“Nothing here for rap fans, but if you appreciate the choral tradition then this film will be as edifying as it is a wonder to listen to. Most of the group performances are captured in outdoor venues or well-lit indoor spaces and sometimes the brilliant native costumes prove as visually persuasive as the music. In between numbers, director Stephen Olsson's camera explores the Holy City of Fez in Morocco with its 9th century Andalousian mosque, famed Àl Karaouiyne University, and Medina market district filled with world-reknowned singing craftsmen. Part ancient city excursion and sacred music showcase this film has much to offer perceptive audiences.” - ReelReviewer.com