Genghis Blues (1999)

Paul Pena was a truly gifted and amazing man, and this story of his journey to far-off Tuva to participate in the 1995 Throatsinging Symposium is an utterly fantastic thing to behold. Despite being shot on cheap video/film and having what by rights can only be called sub-par production standards, this is one of the best documentary films I've ever seen. Unbelievably moving and undeniably sincere, it kept me firmly locked in my seat and when it was over and left me wishing I had known Mr. Pena personally. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this film. 10 out 10. 11 out of 10 if it was possible to rate it that way. Outstanding!

The best of the human spirit. Paul Pena is a blind blues singer who wrote the song "Jet Airliner" which would become a hit for The Steve Miller Band. He was widowed in 1991 and has fallen into some depression, but before the death of his wife, he had heard some Tuvan throatsinging on shortwave radio. After trying to find recordings of it, he stumbles on some and attempts to master it, as well as the singing. During the visit of a master throat-singer, Kongar-ool Ondar, he approaches him and performs some throatsinging. Ondar is impressed, and through a series of events, visits Tuva in 1995 and performs in a competition there. This film is the account of his visit. Pena is an inspiring character-soulful, humorous, real, a fantastic musician, and fragile. You don't want this movie to end. The people of Tuva are incredibly warm and the landscape is gorgeous. Pena and the small group which accompanies him has some medical problems and logistical problems in Tuva which makes the movie even more interesting. That said, if you love music, you should check out this movie. Paul Pena and Kongar are inspirational figures and this is just the sort of unconventional topic to be illuminated by a documentary. Filmmaker Roko Belic took four years to secure the financing and support to edit and have the film released. It truly is one for all lovers of humanity and music.

This movie shows the best parts of humanity: the seemingly random attraction of the protagonist to another culture, the amazing talent which allows him to absorb a completely different musical idiom merely by listening to it, the amazing warmth of the cultural hero of a small, proud country, the pride and acceptance of the Tuvan people. These all combine with the unseen presence of one of the greatest American scientists to form a unique movie.

Incredible journey, told in this documentary. It was well paced, never boring, humorous and inspiring. An amazing accomplishment from such a fascinating person.Rating 8 out of 10