More than just a story about a band...

“Orchestra From Oil Drums”

A Film by Gail Feldman

Film Trailer - https://vimeo.com/895638122?share=copy

Please support the final touches on a film that tracks the untold story of San Francisco’s first Caribbean steel drum band’s historic quest to bring their island music to the Bay Area. The Caribbean Revellers Steel Orchestra started with vision, determination and no experience. It was 1973. Driven by a need for cultural connection, young newcomers from Trinidad, Tobago and other islands came together to form a band. None of them had ever played in a steel band before, and they had no instruments. The band had to hammer the pans (drums) out of actual steel oil barrels. But their biggest challenge loomed ahead - how would the music be received at their prestigious debut concert? More than just chronicling a music band, this story speaks to human perseverance and the drive to overcome obstacles in order to create something that has importance to a larger community and culture.

I’m Gail Feldman, the director and producer. I started this short documentary with kickoff funds from the prestigious Berkeley Film Foundation. The Multimedia Program at Berkeley City College and steel pan (drum) musicians and others - from the San Francisco Bay Area to Trinidad – have helped this little-known story come to light by contributing music, archival materials and technical support. The foundation’s early backing helped secure music and image licensing and legal review for the project. Now the final edit needs your support.

Your contribution in any amount, will help complete post production, including animation, color and sound editing, digital processing, insurance, and other technical post production work. No funds are sought to pay a salary or fee to the filmmaker.

More About who is in the Film

You’ll hear from the band’s founder, Patrick Prescod, who at age 20 was determined to form a steel band to express aspects of his Caribbean culture. Patrick convinced his teammates on a Caribbean cricket team to launch San Francisco’s first Caribbean steel band. Harry Best, an original band member and well-known musician and composer, helps unfold this little-known story of the Caribbean Revellers Steel Orchestra - its fortuitous start and rousing success.

Once completed, the film will be shown at documentary film festivals. After the film has been released, I will work on airing it through Public Television Broadcasting. I will also secure a site to stream the film for free at a cultural organization, such as a museum, film or educational institution and on the web.