A biographical documentary on the maestro Luigi Lai, aged ninety-three and the greatest living performer of the launeddas, an ancient Sardinian instrument recognised by UNESCO. The film traces his life, from his childhood in Sardinia to his emigration to Switzerland, through to his return to the island and his decisive role in saving and spreading the art of the launeddas across the world. A journey through memory and music that takes in international festivals and theatres from Sardinia to Ireland, Scotland and as far as New York – recounting the meeting of tradition and jazz, classical music and contemporary experimentation. Through collaborations with major international artists, the documentary bears witness to the human and musical legacy of Lai, guardian of a thousand-year-old tradition and the first artist representing oral culture to receive an honorary degree from the University of Bologna.
