The documentary explores the powerful influence of Balkan music in San Francisco Bay Area. Through the personal stories of musicians from different backgrounds, the film highlights how this music transcends borders and unites people.

Directed by Tugrul Sarikaya, Balkancisco is a documentary that explores the influential power of Balkan music in the San Francisco Bay Area. The film showcases how this music transcends borders and unites people. In "Balkancisco" we follow the story of a Turkish girl named Duygu, who moves to San Francisco in search of a feeling of home in her voluntary exile. While exploring the city, she stumbles upon the ever-growing Balkan music scene in San Francisco and is immediately drawn into this vibrant community. Fascinated by how Balkan music is appreciated in San Francisco, Duygu sets out on a quest to understand how this interest evolved over time. Along her journey, she interviews the old-school pioneers who brought Balkan music to the Bay Area and the new-generation bands like Balkan Bump and Beats Antique that have moved Balkan music to the national and international music festival scene. As she delves deeper into the world of Balkan music, Duygu discovers a vibrant community of musicians and fans who have made this music their own. She takes us to sold-out Balkan jam sessions and parties where a cosmopolitan group of San Francisco residents rave to the beats of Balkan music. Through her journey, Duygu discovers a sense of belonging and a new appreciation for the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and create a sense of home, no matter where geographically we find ourselves in the world. Balkancisco is partially supported by San Francisco Arts Commission.—Tugrul Sarikaya