The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul and the Capri Theater present the compelling documentary Mali Blues at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6 at the Capri, 2027 West Broadway. Tickets to First Thursday Films are $5; purchase in advance at mspfilm.org or at the door the night of the show.
The West African country of Mali is considered by many to be the birthplace of the blues, and for centuries traditional music has unified Mali’s society. Today, despite this rich musical history, the musicians of Mali are in life-threatening danger as radical Islamic extremists have introduced sharia law to the northern part of the country. Dance and secular music have been prohibited, musical instruments have been destroyed, and musicians have been forced to flee their homeland.
Mali Blues follows four musicians who fled this danger and refused to be silenced. They reject hatred, suspicion, violence and fundamentalism, and instead create music to unite, comfort and inspire peace. Their work is a testament to their belief in the transformative power of music and art.
Can their music reconcile their country? Explore this question and others during the post-film discussion led by Grammy Award-winning producer, musician and educator, André Fischer. Currently the Executive Director of the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project, Fischer’s wealth of musical experience and insights will no doubt lead to a thought-provoking, lively discussion.
Note: The Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society has booked First Thursday Films @ the Capri through December. Mark your calendars and plan to Be @ the Capri at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. August 3: Hidden Figures; September 7: Fences; October 5: Raising Bertie; November 2: Get Out, December 7, Moonlight.
The screening of Mali Blues is part of Black Cinema: Under the Skin, a program of films by Black filmmakers exploring Black culture and experiences, funded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul receives additional support for this series from the law firm of Grey Plant Mooty and the Minneapolis Foundation.
More info: thecapritheater.org and mspfilm.org.