FANDANGO AT THE WALL follows Arturo O’Farrill, maestro Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra founder, and Kabir Sehgal, bestselling author and music producer, as they prepare to record a live album at the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Their project is inspired by the annual music festival called Fandango Fronterizo, which unites people in son jarocho's song and dance on both sides of the Tijuana-San Diego border. Before recording, Fandango Fronterizo organizer, Jorge Francisco Castillo, takes O’Farrill and Sehgal on an inspiring journey of Veracruz, Mexico, where son jarocho, the 300-hundred-year-old folk music called combining indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions originated. As they travel to the remotest regions of the Veracruz coast, they meet legendary son jarocho musicians and artisans and recruit them for the upcoming festival. Their travels culminate at the annual border celebration, promoting peace, and celebrating unity. From executive producers, Quincy Jones, Andrew Young, Carlos Santana, producers Kabir Sehgal and Doug Davis, and director Varda Bar-Kar, the film introduces the beautiful music of the region through intimate storytelling and captivating concert footage. FANDANGO AT THE WALL is a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge cultural barriers.
ABOUT VARDA BAR-KAR
director | producer | writer
NFMLA Board Member
BIG VOICE (on Hulu, PBS SoCal, July 31 @ 8 pm)
FANDANGO AT THE WALL (coming soon)
music without borders
Ford Foundation & Miranda Foundation Grant Recipient
