Agadez:  Portraits From the Sahara. 

This Spring, Rendezvous is pleased to feature the work of local filmmaker/photographer, Ron Wyman.  These photos were taken in the Teneré region where the Sahara Desert meets the Air Massif Mountains in Northern Niger. This area, one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world, is not considered safe and is inaccessible now due to kidnappings and instability.

Please stop on by and view Ron’s spectacular photos!

About the show…

In 2007, Ron Wyman began filming his third documentary in Africa; “Agadez, the Music and the Rebellion”, about the Tuareg nomads of Niger.  Over the course of three years he traveled to Tuareg communities in the remote regions of northern Niger along the Air Massif Mountains and the edge of the Sahara Desert, among some of the most magnificent landscapes and extraordinary cultures in the world.

The Tuareg or Kel Tamashaq have long been known as warrior, traders and travelers of the Sahara Desert – as a people of grace and nobility.  They also guard their independence and personal freedoms fiercely and have taken up arms against the government three times in the past two decades.  They are a nomadic people descended form the Berbers of North Africa and for centuries have fought against colonialism and the imposition of strict Islamic rule.  they are a very moderate and independent Muslim culture that cherishes the right to worship in their own way, as well as the rights of women.  In fact, in Tuareg culture, the men cover their faces, the women do not.

Since the 12th Century, Tuareg camel caravans crossing the Sahara desert have converged in the desert cities of Timbuktu, Mali and Agadez, Niger, trading not only salt, millet, dates, perfume and spices, but also arts, history and music.  After years of rebellions against the Niger government, they are now faced with the challenge of adapting to the modern world.

While shooting the film, Wyman heard the music of an extraordinary young guitarist named Bombino and decided to feature him in the film, representing the new generation of Tuareg.  Over the course of two years, they recorded a CD titled “Agadez” which was released in April, 2011.  It quickly became #1 on iTunes World Music charts and has received rave reviews form media around the world including NPR’s “Fresh Air”, “All Things considered” and BBC’s “The World”.  The film, “Agadez, the Music and the Rebellion” is touring film festivals around the world.

For more information on the photographs, film and CD, visit:

www.zerogravityfilms.com

For a price list and information about purchasing prints, please send an email to: rw@zerogravityfilms.com.