Mali, situated in the heart of western Africa, is often regarded as the cradle of today’s Blues and Jazz. For centuries, music has strengthened Mali’s cultural identity, with musicians holding strong positions in society. Following Fatoumata Diawara, an acclaimed performer of stage and screen born in Côte d'Ivoire to Malian parents, Mali Blues is a rich musical journey. Diawara seeks to expose the world to the rich traditions of Wassalou traditions with Southern Mali music, even as the music and its performers are threatened by radical Islamists.
Director Lutz Gregor takes viewers on a trip through the geographical, political and musical landscape of Mali, meeting other committed musicians who are fighting for unity and the freedom to express themselves through their music. Mali Blues features world famous Ngoni player and traditional griot Bassekou Kouyaté, street rapper Master Soumy, and Tuareg band leader Ahmed Ag Kaedi.
Director’s Biography
Lutz Gregor: Lutz Gregor was born in Berlin in 1952, and, since 1983, he has established himself in the sphere of experimental documentaries later becoming especially interested in the connection between film and dance. Several dance film productions have resulted from his own dance practice, Contact Improvisation. His numerous film and dance collaborations have been screened at festivals around the world.
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