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.

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 of 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.

Original version with English and Czech sub-titles.

Directed by Johanna Schwartz