San Diego Asian Film Festival 2008

North Indian classical music, a centuries-old musical tradition of great depth and richness, has influenced generations of composers around the world. Although many of these musicians consider it the highest form of musical expression, North Indian classical music remains unfamiliar to most Western ears. Furthermore, the rapid influx of Western culture in today’s era of globalization now threatens this music with tragic obsolescence.

In an unusual reversal of this cultural current, Andrew Mendelson, a 32-year-old native Texan, has dedicated his life to the study of the sitar under his guru. A CRICKET IN THE COURT OF AKBAR is a documentary that follows Mendelson as he travels to India to compete for the grand prize in the Tournament of Champions, the Sur Sadak gold medal. As he prepares to vie for the championship as the only American competitor, he struggles to reconcile his western identity with his embrace of the sitar. The film offers a variety of experts from India and the US with insight into the timely issue of global cultural exchange and the timeless appeal of the musical tradition.

Co-presented by:
San Diego Indian American Society
Raag and Taal Academy
Intuit Indian Organization
Qualcomm

Trailer video available on YouTube