They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music In Exile (2015)

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 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. Featuring rare footage of the jihadists, a glimpse at life in refugee camps and the perilous journeys home to war-ravaged cities, THEY WILL HAVE TO KILL US FIRST is a tale of courage in the face of conflict as Malian musicians refuse to give up the fight for their right to sing.

All Releases

Domestic (48.6%)
$7,516
International (51.4%)
$7,937
Worldwide
$15,453
Summary Details
Domestic DistributorBBC Worldwide North America
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Domestic Opening$4,106
Earliest Release DateOctober 23, 2015 (United Kingdom)
Running Time1 hr 40 min
GenresDocumentary

Domestic

AreaRelease DateOpeningGross
DomesticMar 4, 2016$4,106$7,516

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

AreaRelease DateOpeningGross
United KingdomOct 23, 2015$5,150$7,937