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IMDbPro

They Will Have to Kill Us First

  • 20152015
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
132
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
171,209
31,732
They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
Trailer for They Will Have to Kill Us First
Play trailer1:14
3 Videos
7 Photos
Documentary
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 destr... Read allIn 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 allIn 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.... Read all
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
132
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
171,209
31,732
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Johanna Schwartz
    • Writer
      • Andy Morgan
    • Stars
      • Aliou Touré
      • Oumar Touré
      • Garba Touré
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Johanna Schwartz
    • Writer
      • Andy Morgan
    • Stars
      • Aliou Touré
      • Oumar Touré
      • Garba Touré
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 3User reviews
    • 22Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 1 nomination

    Videos3

    They Will Have to Kill Us First
    Trailer 1:14
    They Will Have to Kill Us First
    They Will Have to Kill Us First
    Clip 1:12
    They Will Have to Kill Us First
    They Will Have to Kill Us First
    Clip 0:42
    They Will Have to Kill Us First

    Photos7

    They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
    They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
    Fadimata 'Disco' Walett Oumar and Hassan Mehdi in They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
    They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
    Moussa Sidi in They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)
    Khaira Arby in They Will Have to Kill Us First (2015)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Aliou Touré
    • Self - Lead Singer, Songhoy Blues
    Oumar Touré
    • Self - Guitar, Songhoy Blues
    Garba Touré
    • Self - Guitar, Songhoy Blues
    Nathanael Dembélé
    • Self - Drummer, Songhoy Blues
    Khaira Arby
    • Self - Singer
    Fadimata 'Disco' Walett Oumar
    • Self - Singer
    Moussa Sidi
    • Self - Guitarist
    • (as Moussa Ag Sidi)
    Hassan Mehdi
    • Self - Former Mouvement National de Liberation de l'Azawad Fighter
    Marc-Antoine Moreau
    • Self - Music Manager
    Nick Zinner
    • Self - Guitarist, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    Fadi
    • Self - Moussa Ag Sidi's Wife
    Tartit
    • Themselves
    • Director
      • Johanna Schwartz
    • Writer
      • Andy Morgan
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit

    User reviews3

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    Notes of resistance
    Greetings again from the darkness. Where there is oppression, there is often courage. Director Johanna Schwartz and her film crew have produced a remarkably informative and well-made documentary. The film hits the target in putting on display the effects of the 2012 Islamic Jihadists invasion of northern Mali (Geo, Timbuktu) and the institution of Sharia Law.

    Malian culture is steeped in music, which is used for education, entertainment and history. Radio stations were shuttered and musical instruments were burned. Many famous musicians escaped to Bamako and other areas rather than risk torture and execution. Director Schwartz interviews many of these musicians and we get defiant quotes such as "Our way of resisting is our instruments", and "We think of ourselves as ambassadors of our country." In other words, these musicians understand the cultural and political impact of continuing to make music. Their goal is to spread the message widely. We also see film of a refugee camp where women are staying strong in the face of adversity – hopeful of better days ahead.

    2014 peace talks in Algeria led to an official cease fire in 2015, but most locals remain cautious. With the help of globally known performers such as Brian Eno and Nick Zimmer, a Gig for Exiled Musicians was organized for Timbuktu, and it allowed for re-visiting the village and the city – now mostly a bombed out shell. Many homes and historical sites in the ancient cities were destroyed by the terrorists.

    These atrocities give that much more strength to the musicians, and we are especially taken by female singers Khaira and Disco, and the local band Songhoy Blues. The perspective of those most affected proves quite powerful, and is a reminder of just how strong the human spirit can be. It's a film that should be seen by many, and one director Schwartz should be quite proud.
    helpful•3
    1
    • ferguson-6
    • Mar 30, 2016

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 4, 2016 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • French
      • Songhay
      • English
      • Bambara
      • Tamashek
    • Also known as
      • They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile
    • Filming locations
      • Bamako, Mali
    • Production companies
      • Mojo Musique
      • Spring Films
      • Together Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • £400,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $7,516
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $4,106
      • Mar 6, 2016
    • Gross worldwide
      • $15,453
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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