Drums (2011)
A documentary journey across continents exploring the universal language of percussion and the people who keep its traditions alive.
Drums - Movie Information
- Original Title: Tambores
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Sérgio Raposo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 11m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, Portuguese, Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 14, 2011 (Brazil)
- Alternative Titles: Tambores do Mundo (BR)
- Production Companies: Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, Cinevideo Produções
- Production Countries: Brazil, Mozambique, Qatar
Drums - Plot
Present in nearly all cultures and used for many purposes, drums have unique shapes, sounds, names and accents in each region of the world. Behind this vast legacy are individuals who play them and are touched by these ancestral instruments. From the rare budimas used by Tonga people in Zambia to the large drums of the Chinese temples, from the religious festivals of Brazil to the rhythmic richness of the Arab World, these men and women keep this tradition alive.
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Drums - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sérgio Raposo
Writers
- Sérgio Raposo
Producers
- Luana Dias
- Mônica Monteiro
Drums - FAQs
What is Drums about?
Drums follows the global journey of percussion instruments across cultures. From Zambia's rare budima drums to Chinese temple percussion, Brazilian religious festivals, and the rhythmic traditions of the Arab World, the film celebrates the men and women who keep these ancestral musical traditions alive.
Which countries and cultures are featured in Drums?
The documentary spans several regions, including Zambia, where the Tonga people play rare budima drums, China's grand temple drums, the vibrant religious percussion festivals of Brazil, and the rich rhythmic heritage of the Arab World. It's a genuinely global portrait of drum culture.
Where can you watch Drums online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Drums on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Options may include rental, purchase, or streaming depending on where you are located.
Who directed the documentary Drums?
Drums was directed by Brazilian filmmaker Sérgio Raposo, who also wrote the film. The documentary was co-produced by Al Jazeera Documentary Channel and Cinevideo Produções, reflecting its international scope and ambition.
What languages are spoken in Drums?
Given its worldwide scope, Drums features four languages: Arabic, English, Portuguese, and Mandarin. This multilingual approach mirrors the film's core theme — that drums transcend borders and speak a universal language across vastly different cultures.
What are the rare budima drums featured in Drums?
The budima are rare ceremonial drums used by the Tonga people of Zambia. They hold deep cultural and spiritual significance within the community. Their inclusion in the documentary highlights how percussion instruments can carry centuries of tradition, identity, and collective memory for indigenous peoples.
Is Drums worth watching for music lovers?
Absolutely. Drums offers a rare, immersive look at percussion traditions that rarely get screen time. Its 71-minute runtime moves swiftly across continents, and the film's genuine respect for its subjects makes it both educational and emotionally resonant — a treat for world music enthusiasts and documentary fans alike.
What similar documentaries are recommended alongside Drums?
If you enjoy Drums, you might also appreciate Strip Down, Rise Up (2021), A Plastic Ocean (2016), and Ex Libris: The New York Public Library (2017) — all documentaries that explore culture, identity, and human connection with the same thoughtful, observational approach.
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