Axis of Afro: African Screen Contest – A Visit To Ali Farka Toure

Doors 7.30. Film 8.00. £6 / £5 Concs / £4 Members

June's African Screen Contest heads inland to Mali with a superb documentary on the one of the godfathers and advocates of Malian music - and thus almost by default global blues - Ali Farka Touré. Shadowing his daily life both as an acclaimed and inspiring guitarist and as a farmer and campaigner for local communities in his native Niafunké on the Niger river, this documentary provides many insights into the densely-woven tapestry of Malian music and the everyday challenges its citizens face, as well as (re)acquainting you with the hauntingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted music of one of the world's great musicians. And as if that wasn’t enough DJ Africathy and guests will be on the decks as always.

Film
dir. Marc Huraux, 2005, 95 mins. French w. English subtitles
A VISIT TO ALI FARKA TOURE

Winner of a Grammy Award for the album Talking Timbuktu, on which he played with Ry Cooder and other American luminaries, the legendary African singer and guitarist Ali Farka Touré in the last decade of his life declined most offers of international tours and recording sessions. Feeling that it was weakening the link between his music and its source in deep Mali, Ali instead invested much of his time, energy and resources towards improving conditions in his homeland, whilst never diminishing his passion for music.

"A rare and potent film that has everything. The story of Africa's most important guitarist is a gripping one. A winning combination of great narrative, fabulous scenery and memorable music. A model of how a music documentary should be made. Thoroughly recommended." --Songlines Magazine