Su Maistu

SU MAISTU is a biographical documentary about maestro Luigi Lai, ninety-three years old and the greatest living interpreter 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, his return to the island and his decisive role in preserving and spreading the art of the launeddas throughout the world. A journey through memory and music spanning international festivals and theatres – from Sardinia to Ireland, Scotland and New York – exploring the encounter between tradition and jazz, classical music and contemporary experimentation.

Through collaborations with major international artists, the documentary bears witness to Lai’s human and musical legacy as the guardian of a millennia-old tradition and the first artist rooted in oral culture to receive an honorary degree from the University of Bologna.

A cinematic journey shaped by the affection and gratitude of world-class artists for this unique Maestro. Among those who pay tribute from the world of jazz: Paolo Fresu, Omar Sosa, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Uri Caine and Gavino Murgia. The journey reaches America, where Maestro Lai was invited to teach at the prestigious New School directed by John Zorn, with encounters alongside New York musicians Ned Rothenberg and Robert Dick; then into the world of classical music with Cristina Pato, a leading member of the Silk Road Ensemble founded by Yo-Yo Ma and his regular piano partner in recitals. From there into the universe of Scottish and Irish music, where his launeddas are revered as forerunners of the pipes and bagpipes, and into Sardinian and Italian folk music with Enzo Avitabile, Elena Ledda, Mauro Palmas and Patsy Seddon.