Zampogna: The Soul of Southern Italy by David Marker

When I was 25 years old, in the midst of law school, I took a backpack full of camera equipment to southern Italy with the crazy idea of making a feature length documentary about Italian bagpipes. The film was to be a reflection of my personal and romanticized perception of the pastoral culture as I had experienced it through the hospitality of my Italian family. I wanted to make a 21st century odyssey, to show that the magical and arcane still exist in this information age. It’s been over 5 years since I shot this film. Looking back I often envy the obsessive enthusiasm and total naivety I had going into the project.

I’ve been so fortunate to have had this opportunity and it has lead to a strong connection with my Italian family and my many Italian friends who are involved in the little world of pre-industrual pastoral music. This is the Italy I know and love. It keeps drawing me back to continue my research, documentation and friendships.

For the first time I am making the film available free on Youtube. Please enjoy and share with your friends!