They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile(2016)

Name: They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile
Director: Johanna Schwartz
Genre: Documentary
Released: Mar 4, 2016
Cast: Aliou Touré, Oumar Touré, Garba Touré

Independent

1h 40m
- Documentary

Release Date: Mar 4, 2016

In 2012, jihadists took control of Northern Mali, imposing one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in recent years and, crucially for Mali, banning music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments were burned and overnight, Mali's musicians were forced into hiding or e... Read all

Note: Distributed by BBC Worldwide North America

Release Details

Original Release | Mar 4, 2016 | Limited (BBC Worldwide North America)

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Box Office Results

2025-01-31T12:52:46.649Z

Results

Opening Weekend US & Canada:
$4,106
Total US & Canada:
$7,516
Total International
$7,937
Total Worldwide:
$15,453

Current Showtimes

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Location

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Director & Top Cast

Johanna Schwartz
Director

Aliou Touré
Self - Lead Singer, Songhoy Blues

Oumar Touré
Self - Guitar, Songhoy Blues

Garba Touré
Self - Guitar, Songhoy Blues

Other Details

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Language: French,Songhay,English,Bambara,Tamashek

Summaries

Plot Summary

Islamic extremists have banned music in Mali, but its world famous musicians wont give up without a fight. They Will Have To Kill Us First tells the story of Malis musicians, as they fight for their right to sing. With a specially commissioned soundtrack from some of Malis most exciting artists, the film features musicians: Khaira Arby, Fadimata Disco Walet Oumar, Malian superstar Amkoullel, Moussa Sidi and introducing Songhoy Blues.Music is the beating heart of Malian culture, but when Islamic jihadists took control of northern Mali in 2012, they enforced one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in history: They banned all forms of music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments burned and Malis musicians faced torture, even death. Overnight, Malians revered musicians were forced into hiding or exile where most remain, even now. But rather than lay down their instruments, the musicians are fighting back, standing up for their cultural heritage and identity. Throughout their struggle, they have used music as their weapon against ongoing violence that has left Mali ravaged. They Will Have to Kill Us First sees musicians on the run, tells the story of the uprising of Touareg separatists, reveals rare footage of the jihadists, captures life at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce, charts perilous journeys home to war-ravaged cities, and follows our characters as they set up and perform at the first public concert in Timbuktu since the music ban.

Storyline

In 2012, jihadists took control of Northern Mali, imposing one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in recent years and, crucially for Mali, banning music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments were burned and overnight, Mali's musicians were forced into hiding or exile where many remain even now. Follow these musicians as they fight to keep music alive. Featuring rare footage of the jihadists, a glimpse at life in refugee camps and the perilous journeys home to war-ravaged cities, THEY WILL HAVE TO KILL US FIRST is a tale of courage in the face of conflict as Malian musicians refuse to give up the fight for their right to sing.

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They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile(2016)

Box Office Results

Results

Current Showtimes

Director & Top Cast

Johanna Schwartz

Aliou Touré

Oumar Touré

Garba Touré

Other Details

Summaries

Plot Summary

Storyline

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