MALI BLUES Trailer

A film by Lutz Gregor / An Icarus Films Release “Nuanced meditations on the limbo of the diaspora and celebrations of Mali’s ethnic plurality color the fabric of this film, which vibrates with urgency and life. The showcase of Mali’s ripe musical heritage-from ngoni riffs to pulsating percussions and soulful raps-connects and engages audiences in the combat against silence and demand for explanations. Opening the room for honest conversations about long-standing traditions, including those that are due to be broken, this documentary is at its bravest when tackling real issues that threaten its subjects’ collective voice. The goosebump-inducing sequence in which Fatou heroically denounces female circumcision not only serves to advocate music’s potential in affecting real-life practices, but also marks a zenith of the music documentary genre.“ —Cinema Scope