PAN! Our Music Odyssey (2014)

Africadelic and Caribbean Creativity invite you to a vibrant weekend of films celebrating, experiencing and reflecting on the spirit of Carnaval worldwide, including PAN! Our Music Odyssey. This is a compelling docudrama that chronicles the birth and global journey of the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.

The narrative follows "Goldteeth," a fictionalized character inspired by real events, who, along with his brother Roy, pioneers the transformation of discarded oil drums into musical instruments. Their journey from street gangs to steelband innovators mirrors the broader struggle of the Afro-Trinidadian community to assert their identity and creativity in the face of colonial oppression. Interlaced with these dramatizations are contemporary accounts of pan enthusiasts from around the world who converge annually in Trinidad for Panorama, the world's premier steelband competition. These stories highlight the steelpan's universal appeal and its role in fostering cross-cultural connections. 

With a vibrant soundtrack featuring traditional pan music and contributions from artists like Bunji Garlin and Jamie XX, PAN! Our Music Odyssey offers an immersive experience that celebrates the resilience, innovation, and enduring spirit of the steelpan movement. 

Before the screening you can watch the short films Carnival Story aka Trinidad Carnival (1957, T&T), Claudia Jones and the Origins of Caribbean Carnival in London (2024, UK) and Roots: Notting Hill Carnival (2024, UK).

Melkweg often hosts different types of programmes at the same time, such as concerts, club nights and films. Please note that there may occasionally be some noise pollution from other programmes during the screening.