Mali Blues

A musical road movie about the rich musical culture of Mali in West Africa. Mali is a secular country but Islam is the dominant religion. Islamists call music an invention of Satan and have banned it in the north where they rule. Facing the threat of Sharia, Malian artists fight for peace and freedom of speech. Fatoumata Diawara, who has become an international star, Bassekou Kouyate, Master Soumy and other Malian musicians talk about the political situation, about the importance of music for the body and the spirit, and as a unifying element. We listen to their music, watch filmed concerts, and believe in music for change, music for life. (Warsaw Film Festival)