Fascinated by stones and minerals, ten years ago Hanne De Backer names her collective of musicians and artists “ g a b b r o .” Gabbro is a volcanic igneous rock formed from magma that cools slowly beneath the earth’s surface. It isn’t until later, during a tour in Italy, that she discovers it is also the name of a small, mysterious village in Italy…

In search of the story behind Gabbro and together with drummer Casper Van De Velde, Hanne travels to the Tuscan hills. With their instruments as their compass, they wander through the remote village and strike up conversations with the residents. Amid music, silence, and improvisation, a place slowly unfolds where time seems to move differently. Step by step, their quest maps out the village, and they meet a handful of eccentric characters who give Gabbro its own, unforgettable character.

Running time: 30 min.

Hanne De Backer – Casper Van De Velde – Oscar Claus

Alongside the film release, Hanne De Backer (baritone saxphone and bass clarinet), Casper Van De Velde (drums en sampler), and Oscar Claus (sound-design, tapes) also present new music. Expect a playful and impressive live set with sharp improvisations, screaming saxophones and driving drums, alongside electronic sounds, old radios, and Tuscan field recordings.

Credits Film:
Hanne De Backer: directing, editing, music, production
Seppe Van Grieken: cinematographiy, color-grading
Oscar Claus: sound-engineering, translation
Casper Van De Velde: music
Fanny Desvachez: production-assistance, translation
Yuni Mahieu: production-assistance, financial manager
Yves Demey: sound-design

A production by BACKÌ vzw, in co-production with Kunstencentrum Nona, Ha!Concerts, and thanks to the support of Flanders State Of The Arts.