Heimatklänge (Echoes of Home)

Swiss documentary about yodelling. The film follows musicians, ranging from traditionalists who perform on the top of mountains in Alpine costumes to more avant-garde singers.

Kevin Maher, the Times: Unintentionally titter-inducing in execution, yet deadly serious in conception, Stefan Schwietert's film attempts to contextualise yodelling within the physical topography and cultural history of Switzerland. It's a game effort, and the inclusion of the hipster Swiss musician Christian Zehnder certainly helps. But the lingering image of middle-aged men with funny beards and frilly shirts caterwauling is memorable in all the wrong ways. (Verdict: two stars out of five)

Trevor Johnston, Time Out: Take Christian Zehnder, who's developed his own freestyle vocalise, incorporating elements of jazz and contemporary music. Unclassifiable stuff, but his vocal range makes him one of the world's most amazing performers - one minute he's jamming with Tuvan throat singers, the next he's doing an impression of a milking machine... Slightly stretched at 82 minutes, the film nevertheless makes a strong case for this high, wide and lonesome sound. (Verdict: three stars out of five) ·