They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)

They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015) poster

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.

Director: Johanna Schwartz
Genre: Music, Documentary
Runtime: 105 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Karelle Walker
Editing: Andrea Carnevali, Guy Creasey
Production: Together Films, Mojo Musique, Spring Films, Splice Post
Country: Mali, United Kingdom
Language: Bamanankan, English, Français
Budget: $522,360
Original Language: fr

Keywords

woman director

Trailer

They Will Have to Kill Us First Trailer
More Films by Director: Johanna Schwartz
More Films in Genre: Music, Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is They Will Have to Kill Us First about?
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.
Who directed They Will Have to Kill Us First?
They Will Have to Kill Us First was directed by Johanna Schwartz.
Who stars in They Will Have to Kill Us First?
They Will Have to Kill Us First stars Aliou Touré, Oumar Touré, Garba Touré, Nathanael Dembélé, Khaira Arby.
How long is They Will Have to Kill Us First?
They Will Have to Kill Us First has a runtime of 1h 45m (105 minutes).
What genre is They Will Have to Kill Us First?
They Will Have to Kill Us First is a Music, Documentary film.
What is the budget of They Will Have to Kill Us First?
They Will Have to Kill Us First had a budget of $522,360.
Where was They Will Have to Kill Us First produced?
They Will Have to Kill Us First was produced in Mali, United Kingdom.