Origin: Sweden | Documentary | Director: Louis Brehony | 30 minutes

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Kofia is the explosive story of Europe's first Palestinian band, told first hand by its musicians. This journalistic short film charts Kofia's journey over four decades, bringing the exile sounds of the Palestinian revolution into a 21st Century world of upheaval and crisis.

After leaving Palestine during Israel's colonialist war of 1967, songwriter George Totari formed the band with activist musicians in Gothenburg, Sweden. Kofia's concerts were like demonstrations, as the band forged a reputation for an uncompromising message and musical vibrancy, recording four albums and touring revolutionary Iran and East Germany. Their sound was unique, combining Arabic folk traditions with Scandinavian acoustica.

The band was named after the emblematic black and white scarf worn by Palestinian guerrillas, indicative of the messages of resistance and sumud (steadfastness) carried through the music. Kofia's protest anthem Leve Palestina (Long Live Palestine), released in 1979, sang of confronting oppression by any means necessary and defiantly planting olive trees on the land.

Filming took place while the band reformed for a Gaza solidarity concert and to work on new material. During production in 2019 the Swedish prime minister condemned youth protesters for singing Leve Palestina on international workers day. As Palestinians fight for their future, Kofia's musical revolution continues to reverberate and raise questions about the state of the world.

Read Louis Brehony’s article on Kofia’s wor: https://www.palestinechronicle.com/fire-fire-a-guide-to-the-music-of-palestinian-swedish-band-kofia/

Tags: music, exile, resistance, musical revolution

Watch full movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUsSqev9gmE

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View trailer