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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.
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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

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