This stunning documentary film, "Been Away for a While" takes you on a journey of discovery to the source of Huun Huur Tu 's music.

On June 28, 2007 Huun Huur Tu (Kaigal-ool, Sayan, Alexey, and Radik) came to the end of another European tour. On their journey home they were joined in Moscow by GreenWave producer Alexander Cheparukhin and Vladimir Oboronko, and a video team of Pavel Samokhvalov, Vladislav Efimov, and Rex Weiner.

The team spent four days with Huun Huur Tu, meeting the musicians' families and friends, traveling to their favourite areas around Tuva, listening to and recording the musicians performing on a farm, in the mountains and on the steppes. The result is a beautiful document and rare portrait of this exotic land. We are given a unique insight into the origin of the songs, the workings of their shamans, their veneration of their nature, and the faces of their people.

There are numerous touching and inspiring moments in this film: the "master" removing his hat when he sees the camera, Kaigal-ool singing overtones in the car, the shaman's incredible office all linger in the mind long after the film has finished. Being able to follow any music to it's source, as this film allows us to, is an immensely rewarding experience.

Huun Huur Tu
Kaigal-ool Khovalyg, lead vocals, Igil, doshpuluur
Sayan Bapa, doshpuluur, igil, acoustic guitar, back vocals
Radik Tyulyush, vocals, flute, byzaanchi, igil
Alexey Saryglar, traditional drums and percussion, vocals

Director of Photography
Pavel Samokhvalov

Sound editing
Anto Kuryshev

Photographer
Vladislav Efimov

Graphic Design
Marina Zvidrina
Alexander Pishalnikov

Creative Producer (post production)
Tania Detkina

Additional Video Editing
Hayden Chisholm

General Producers
Alexander Cheparukhin
Alexander Pishalnikov

Shot on location in Tuva, June 30 - July 4, 2007

Special Thanks to Jeffrey Wood, Amanda Howell and the staff at Fantasy Studios, Konstantine Baranov at Digidesign, Steven Baker