Return to Gorée Poster

Return to Gorée 2007

★ 9.01 votes110 min📅 2007-10-27

Directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud, *Return to Gorée (2007)* follows Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour on a profound musical pilgrimage tracing the roots of jazz back to slavery's dark legacy.

Director: Pierre-Yves Borgeaud

Cast

Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour
Self
Moncef Genoud
Self
Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye
Self
Idris Muhammad
Self
Pyeng Threadgill
Pyeng Threadgill
Self
Grégoire Maret
Self
Amiri Baraka
Amiri Baraka
Self
Ernie Hammes
Self
Wolfgang Muthspiel
Self
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Return to Gorée (2007) about?

*Return to Gorée* is a documentary that traces jazz's origins to the horrors of slavery, as Youssou N'Dour retraces the transatlantic slave route with musicians and historians. The film documents their voyage from Senegal's Gorée Island to the U.S., culminating in a concert that blends sorrow and hope through music.

Who directed Return to Gorée?

Return to Gorée was directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud, a filmmaker known for blending music and documentary storytelling.

Who stars in Return to Gorée?

The film stars Senegalese icon Youssou N'Dour, Swiss pianist Moncef Genoud, historian Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye, and musicians Idris Muhammad, Pyeng Threadgill, and Grégoire Maret.

Is Return to Gorée (2007) worth watching?

While IMDb doesn't rate it, *Return to Gorée* is a compelling watch for those interested in music history and social justice themes. Its blend of documentary rigor and emotional depth makes it a standout in the genre. Fans of Youssou N'Dour's work or historical documentaries will find it particularly moving.

How long is Return to Gorée?

Return to Gorée has a runtime of 110 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Return to Gorée (2007) — Youssou N'Dour's musical journey through slavery's legacy

Directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud, *Return to Gorée (2007)* follows Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour on a profound musical pilgrimage tracing the roots of jazz back to slavery's dark legacy. Accompanied by blind Swiss pianist Moncef Genoud and historian Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye, the trio voyages from Gorée Island—home to the infamous House of Slaves—to the heart of American jazz culture, seeking inspiration amid haunting history. Their journey culminates in a deeply moving concert that bridges continents and centuries, where music becomes both a lament and a celebration of resilience.

This soul-stirring documentary blends music, history, and personal reflection into a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With breathtaking visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, *Return to Gorée* isn't just a film—it's an emotional odyssey that honors the past while forging a path forward.