Last Song Before The War

The Last Song Before the War is a feature-length documentary that captures the inspiring rise and uncertain future of Mali’s annual Festival in the Desert.

From the bustling streets of Mali’s capital of Bamako to the exotic dunes of the Sahara, Last Song Before the War takes the audience on a high-definition journey to the most remote music festival in the world. The famed three-day event features Grammy-award winning musicians playing their hearts out in the Sahara Desert surrounding Timbuktu. Over the years, the Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in music such Bono, Robert Plant and Jimmy Buffet. The festival history is told from the perspective of the co-founder and festival director, Manny Ansar, the musicians who perform and the intrepid travelers from around the world who make the long journey to attend the festival. Against the backdrop of stunning musical performances, the film subtly reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating an artistic event in such challenging economic and political circumstances. After 12 years of success and unforgettable musical moments, the Festival in the Desert came to a halt in 2012 when separatist rebels and Islamic militants seized control of Northern Mali.

The Last Song Before the War chronicles the 2011 Festival - arguably the last edition that still captured its original goals – a global display of peace, reconciliation, and the healing power of music.

Director: Kiley Kraskouskas
Language: English with English subtitles
Duration: 90’