They Will Have to Kill Us First

Overview

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.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

October 13, 2015

Original language

French

Spoken languages

Bambara, English, French

Countries

Mali, United Kingdom

Production

Spring Films,Splice Post,Together Films,Mojo Musique

Cast

Nathanael Dembélé,Garba Touré,Khaira Arby,Aliou Touré,Oumar Touré

Director

Johanna Schwartz

Writer

Andy Morgan

Producer

Kat Amara Korba,Duncan Western,John Schwartz,Sarah Mosses,Johanna Schwartz

Cinematography

Karelle Walker

Budget

$522,360

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt4333662