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A special performance by the Swiss Kiwi Yodelling Group will be the curtain raiser to the film Die Wiesenberger – No Business Like Show Business (2012), which will be screened at the Warkworth Town Hall on June 3.
The award-winning documentary tells the story of a group of Swiss mountain yodellers, who find themselves thrust into the limelight when their CD wins double gold. While they try to remain authentic, they are caught between their traditions and show business.
Film festival organiser Urs Bauer says the documentary is engaging on many levels. He says it is interesting to watch how familiar personalities clash and how the conflict is finally resolved.
The Auckland-based Kiwi Yodellers have been performing for more than 30 years.
Group member Oscar Roggen says traditional Swiss yodelling is quite different than country and western yodelling.
“Yodelling is an important part of Swiss culture,” he says. “There are thousands of choirs throughout Switzerland, with both men and women taking part.”
Oscar says just as Maori have the waiata, Swiss yodel at all important occasions.
The Auckland group performs mainly Swiss folk songs, but their repertoire also includes Pokarekareana.
Die Wiesenberger will be screened as part of the three-day Sounds on Screen music film festival, which starts on June 1.
Info: soundsonscreen.nz
