I Went to the Dance (J'ai Été Au Bal)

Newly Restored in 5k! - 2023 Cinema Re-Release

“An exuberant tribute to the continuing vitality of Louisiana’s Cajun and Zydeco music"
-- Vincent Canby, The New York Times

“Les Blank’s thoughtful and engrossing explorations of humanity through its many cultural traditions, livelihoods, and struggles are eternally ripe for rediscovery by each new generation."
Soham Gadre, Film Stage

SYNOPSIS: I WENT TO THE DANCE (J’AI ÉTÉ AU BAL) is the seminal film on the history of the foot-stomping, toe-tapping music of French Southwest Louisiana. The film features many Cajun and Zydeco greats, Michael Doucet, BeauSoleil, Clifton Chenier, Canray Fontenont, Marc and Ann Savoy, D.L. Menard, Boozoo Chavis and many more.   Newly restored in 5K, I WENT TO THE DANCE (J’AI ÉTÉ AU BAL),celebrates the music of Southwest Louisiana. Blank, Strachwitz & Gosling's film brims with tender affection for its subjects, the vitality of their marvelous music, and a generosity of spirit.