They Will Have to Kill Us First

Mar 4 2016 Not Rated 1h 40m
Documentary

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.

Official Trailer
Plot

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.

Written by

Andy Morgan

Directed by

Johanna Schwartz

Cast

Aliou Touré, Oumar Touré, Garba Touré

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

Spring Films, Together Films, Mojo Musique

Languages

English, Bamanankan, Français

Awards

2 wins & 1 nomination

Trailers
They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music in Exile - TRAILER 2015
They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music in Exile
Scores
# of Votes
140
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
67
Popularity
NA