Gutsy and joyous, the sound of roots music is the story of America. And Chris Strachwitz became its biographer.

So much of the American South's music is destined to be lost: played on porches and streets, in the swamps and fields, to friends and passers-by, but never recorded. Chris Strachwitz, however, has dedicated his life to capturing it. His label Arhoolie Records has been immortalising New Orleans jazz, roughneck blues, Creole, Cajun, zydeco, Tex-Mex and Mexican-American norteño sounds for over 50 years.

Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling's spirited tour through the Deep South (visiting Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Michael Doucet, the Pine Leaf Boys, and more) traces one man's obsession, and the fortuitous family that it has created.

"Not only is Chris' passion for life, music and discovery infectious, but the consistently stunning music will fill your mind for days after." - Toronto Film Scene

Maureen Gosling is a guest of the festival.

D Chris Simon, Maureen Gosling P Maureen Gosling, Chris Simon Dist Antidote Films L English, Spanish, French w/English subtitles TD HD Cam/2013