‘Voices passing through time’ tells the stories of young vocalists part of the Maranatha youth choir in Paramaribo, Suriname. As they build upon a tradition of singing gospel music to express their Christian faith, they encounter intergenerational differences and tensions within the choral community. Attempting to balance traditional religious singing practices and modern music styles, they search for ways to incorporate gospel music into their everyday lives making it their own.
Director’s statement
As a visual anthropologist and religious studies scholar, I attempted to combine my anthropological interest in everyday life with my interest in religious practices. I believe that a collaboration between both disciplines allows for new insights into everyday religious experiences and meaning making. Moving beyond institutional religion, my film highlights how religion takes shape in everyday experiences and practices related to social transitions and multilayered society.
Bio
making music has become an important part of experiencing and expressing my feelings and identity. Researching the religious experience and meaning of singing for young Christian vocalists, opened up new ways to explore and share this passion for and personal meaning of singing with others.