They Will Have To Kill Us First
Synopsis
In 2012, jihadists took control of northern Mali. They imposed one of the strictest interpretations of sharia law in history. On August 12th they banned music - radio stations destroyed, instruments burned and musicians facing torture, even death. Overnight, Mali’s most revered members of society – the musicians – were forced into hiding or exile. This film follows Mali’s musicians as they fight to keep music alive in their country. We witness fierce battles between the army and the jihadists, capture life over borders at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce, follow perilous journeys home to war ravaged cities, and for one band, Songhoy Blues, their path to international stardom.
Section: 24 Beats Per Second
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Country: UK
Language: English, French, Tamashek, Songhoy and Bambara with Subtitles
Year: 2015
Runtime: 105min
Credits
Director: Johanna Schwartz
Executive Producer: Andre Singer
Producer: Sarah Mosses, Johanna Schwartz, Kat Amara Korba
Screenwriter: Johanna Schwartz, Andy Morgan
Cinematographer: Karelle Walker
Editor: Guy Creasey, Andrea Carnevali
Music: Nick Zinner, Songhoy Blues, Vieux Farke Toure, Kankou Kouyate, Afel Boucom, Amkoullel
Principal Cast: Songhoy Blues, Khaira Arby, Moussa Sidi, Fadimata "Disco" Walet Oumar
Director Bio
Johanna Schwartz is an award-winning American born, UK based filmmaker, working across the world, with a particular focus on Africa. She has produced and directed films for broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4 (UK), Channel 5 (UK), Discovery, National Geographic, The History Channel, PBS, CNBC, CNN , MTV among others. This is her feature debut.
Contact
Public Film Contact
Sarah Mosses
Together Films
Sarah@TogetherFilms.org
+44(0)7790027247
Publicity Contact
Elizabeth Benjamin
Elizabeth@TogetherFilms.org