SYNOPSIS On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom 56 minutes, Documentary nominated for an Academy Award® in the Best Documentary Short category in March 2001   On Tip Toe tells the story of a man and his passion to create a new kind of music. Joseph Shabalala, the leader of the South African singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, started with nothing but a dream and rose to become one of the most innovative and well-known musicians in the world. Many are familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, best known for their appearance on Paul Simon's "Graceland" album, but few know of the origin of their joyous music and dance. Dubbed "isicathamiya" or "on tiptoe," this unique hybrid of traditional South African music styles (and some very unlikely Western influences) has had an extraordinary evolution. "On TipToe" demonstrates the power of this music during and after apartheid, and the will of one man to keep it alive in the face overwhelming odds. Eric Simonson makes his film directorial debut in this non-fiction narrative. he and producers Leelai Demoz and Corinne Marrinan spent two years following Mambazo over three continents to collect this unique account of South African music. The film provides a rare glimpse of one of the world's top music draws as they play venues ranging from impoverished townships in South Africa to London's Royal Albert Hall. It also offers interviews with world music experts from around the world, including musician Paul Simon. Says Simonson, "On Tip Toe" is meant to be a reflection of the perils , joys, and complexities of world culture at the dawn of the 21st century. It is also a testament to the power and universality of music." www.cobosfilms.nl