“I believe that becoming a Gamelan musician is my passion, my choice, my way. I won’t give up easily.”
I Wayan Sudiarsa aka Pacet founder of Gamelan Suling Gita Semara lecturer at Universitas Hindu Indonesia
“I know I'm getting old now. But I'll try to teach as many younger generations as I possibly can.”
I Wayan Madra Warsa Gamelan instructor, tour guide & driver
“I don't want our beautiful culture gone. That's why I'm dedicated to providing free music classes to children in our village. ”
Nyoman Grago founder of Payogan music school
Overview
Will the growing influence of cultural globalization put the Balinese Gamelan in jeopardy? How would different generations of Balinese keep their proud heritage alive? The four-episode documentary From Praying to Playing: the Heartbeat of the Balinese Gamelan delves into the essence of the Balinese Gamelan, incorporating fascinating stories and diverse perspectives from the locals. Each verse reveals a unique facet of this music form.
Verse 1: The Heart
Children in Bali are encouraged to learn the Gamelan from a young age. What are they truly learning beyond playing the instruments?
Video Length: 04:27
Verse 2: The Soul
The cremation ceremony in Bali is a ritual for liberating one’s soul from its physical entrapment, allowing it to continue its journey. How does the Gamelan contribute to this essential ritual in the Balinese’s spiritual life?
Video Length: 04:18
Verse 3: The Protagonists
Pacet and Nyoman, two protagonists in the community, have dedicated themselves to promoting the Balinese Gamelan on their own terms. What are their struggles behind forging their own path?
Video Length: 04:51
Verse 4: The Heritage
With the growing influence of cultural globalization and declining interest from the younger generation, what are some challenges and solutions for preserving the Balinese Gamelan?
Video Length: 05:31
Director’s Notes
I met Pak Wayan on December 29, 2023, exactly two months before I launched this site and documentary. He was not only my instructor at the Gamelan 101 workshop organized by ARMA in Ubud, but also the driving force behind this documentary. All the interviews and events presented in the four verses wouldn’t have been possible if not for the kindness and generosity of Pak Wayan, his family and his students, which I’m forever grateful for.
This documentary will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the first ever documentary that I have worked on independently from scratch and, more importantly, there was so much about my Balinese friends’ passion and beliefs that I could relate to on a personal level despite our cultural differences. For someone that has just embarked on her exploratory journey, it is such a blessing to have met with all these people with big hearts ❤️🙏
Viola Lin Wang
Terima kasih banyak atas semua dukungan Anda
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I Wayan Madra Warsa
Gamelan instructor, tour guide & farmer
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I Wayan Sudiarsa aka Pacet
founder of Gamelan Suling Gita Semara, lecturer at Universitas Hindu Indonesia
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Nyoman Grago
founder of Payogan music school
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Galih
student at Payogan music school
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Gigih
student at Payogan music school
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Ardi
student at Payogan music school
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Merry
university student, dancer
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Yumang
customer service representative at ARMA