FilmFest DC is holding an International Film Festival that will highlight film gems from around the world.  The festival, taking place from April 16 – 26, 2009, will be held in Washington DC at various locations.  One of the African films to be featured will be Youssou N’dour’s movie, ‘I Bring What I Love’.

At the beginning of this decade, Youssou N’Dour, the “golden-voiced” Senegalese singer-songwriter conceived an album that would express his vision of Islam. Directed by Chai Vasarhelyi, this revealing documentary details the making of Youssou N’Dour’s gorgeous 2004 CD “Egypt” and the reaction to it.

A devout Sufi, N’Dour wanted his European and North American fans to understandhis faith and the fact that it is tolerant and mystical. “Egypt” was recorded in that country, with Arab-style orchestral arrangements that were more predominant than Senegalese rhythms. N’Dour postponed the disc’s release because of the events of 9/11.

After its release, the album caused more controversy in West Africa than it did in the West, drawing cries of sacrilege from people in Senegal.  “Egypt” won a Grammy in the United States during that time.  N’dour collaborated with Peter Gabriel and others to produce a film that gives access to images of Senegal’s most sacred Muslim rituals, highlights vibrant concert performances that were filmed around the world; and gives intimate access to N’dour and his family.  To learn more about this and other films at the FilmFest DC, visit the website.