Ilé Aiyé (The House of Life) (Motion Picture)

ILÉ AIYÉ (THE HOUSE OF LIFE) is David Byrne's breathtakingly impressionistic 1989 documentary on Candomblé, the African spirit cult of the Bahia region of Brazil. ILÉ AIYÉ explores the ways in which Candomblé has influenced the daily life and culture of the people of Brazil through music, art, religion, theater, food, dance, poetry, and more. The rhythms of the sacred drums and bells, a dance of spiritual ecstasy, offering and sacrifices, divination, and the visitation of Orishas through trance are all part of the color and life of Candomblé. This "docu-poem," which the New York Times called "stunning," eschews all traditional documentary techniques and evokes the mood of this beautiful religion and its life affirming rituals, rhythms, music, and culture.

The music in ILÉ AIYÉ includes ritual music recorded during ceremonies, popular Brazilian songs influenced by Candomblé, and an original score by David Byrne (recorded with Brazilian musicians in Bahia and New York). Special features include a commentary by David Byrne, an essay, and photos by Phyllis Galembo. All-region DVD.