British Council Logo UK Films Database
Project Detail

They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile

Synopsis

In 2012, jihadists took control of northern Mali. They imposed one of the strictest interpretations of sharia law in history. On 22 August they banned music – radio stations destroyed, instruments burned and Mali’s musicians faced torture, even death. This film follows Mali’s musicians as they fight to keep music alive in their country. Through personal stories we draw the audience into the human side of this ongoing conflict and ask the burning question: what does the future hold for Mali? The film culminates with the first public concert in Timbuktu post jihadist takeover and music ban.
Visit Film Website

Details

Year
2015
Type of project
Features
Running time
100 mins
Director
Johanna Schwartz
Producer
Sarah Mosses, Johanna Schwartz, Kat Amara Korba, John Schwartz
Executive Producer
Andre Singer, Victoria Steventon, Stephen Hendel, OKAY Africa, Knitting Factory Entertainment
Editor
Andrea Carnevali, Guy Creasey
Screenwriter
Andy Morgan, Johanna Schwartz
Director of Photography
Karelle Walker
Sound
Phitz Hearne
Composer
Nick Zinner
Principal cast
Songhoy Blues, Khaira Arby, Moussa Sidi, Fadimata 'Disco' Walet Oumar

Genre

Human Rights Music Woman Director Dance

Categories

Documentary

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Mojo Musique Ltd

c/o Together Films
Sarah Mosses
Newman House
27 Newman Street
London
W1T 1AR

Sales Company

BBC Worldwide (International sales)

Joseph Newble
BBC Media Centre
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7TQ

Mojo Musique Ltd (UK sales)

c/o Together Films
Sarah Mosses
Newman House
27 Newman Street
London
W1T 1AR

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

Suggest amendments

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Maverick: The Epic Adventures of David Lean Maverick: The Epic Adventures of David Lean

Director: Barnaby Thompson

Year: 2026

An in-depth study of David Lean, the man and his films. David Lean was one of the greatest filmmakers. He redefined what films could be, but his singular vision and tenacious determination to film the impossible earned him a reputation as an obsessive maverick. He was a master of his craft, capable of creating love and beauty on screen, but whose personal life was often troubled, uprooted, and painful. Featuring interviews with contemporary filmmakers including Wes Anderson, Paul Greengrass, Alfonso Cuarón, Celine Song, Brady Corbet, Francis Ford Coppola, Denis Villeneuve, Nia DaCosta, and Joe Wright. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2026 - Cannes Classics - World premiere

Biography
TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing

Director: Monica Henriquez, Louis J. Massiah

Year: 2025

Structured as a series of classes in cultural organising, this film reconstructs the life of a woman whose literary works and film collaborations became a catalysing force in 20th century political movements. Toni Morrison, Nikky Finney and filmmaker Haile Gerima are among those who testify to Bambara's humour, fierce commitment to collective action and gift for galvanising artists into community work. Official Selection DOC NYC 2025 - World premiere Official SelectionTrue/False Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2026 - European premiere

Biography Black Woman Director
Life Support Life Support

Director: Daniele Rugo

Year: 2026

A group of international doctors breach the blockade of Gaza. What they find is the calculated dismantling of life itself. Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2026 - World premiere

Human Rights