About this project
With over 600 hours of amazing footage logged, we need finishing funds to get this project out as quickly as possible. The money raised will go towards the massive cost of post production and additional shooting.Film Synopsis
Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good is a feature-length music documentary about the musicians, dancers and people of Mali who every day create inspiring heartfelt music in some of the most difficult living conditions in West Africa.
In Mali, history is passed down through songs containing powerful lyrics and compelling parables about life. This rich musical tradition is quickly being lost to modern advances and a volatile political and social situation in West Africa. The culture is changing and as it exists now, will likely be gone in only a generation or two.
Music In Mali pushes past the stereotypical images of violence, poverty, and AIDS, to offer a new point of view. The documentary uncovers a rich and diverse community, which with the help of music, has maintained joy and happiness through hard times and unknowingly inspired musicians across the planet.
Through it’s role in the slave trade, Mali played an influential part in American music culture. The documentary explores the Manding Empire, and it’s direct relationship to Blues, Rock, Jazz and Hip-hop.
Music In Mali features artists such as Djeli Mady Tounkara, the late Mangala Camara, the late Lobi Traore, Ami Koita, the late Zani Diabate, Toumani Diabate, Djeneba Seck and many others. Each artist brings his or her unique personality to the project. Through each artist, the audience will get to know a different side of modern Mali.
The artists are portrayed in intimate settings performing their music and sharing their story. The filmmakers have worked incredibly hard in less than ideal conditions to capture stunning, cinematic images, so that the musicians are seen in the very best light possible.
From one of the world’s poorest countries viewers will hear and see the music of ceremony and celebration that inspires musicians around the globe including celebrities such as Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, Damon Albarn, and Bannning Eyre From the villages of the Segou to the ghettos of Bamako the message is clear “Life is hard, music is good”.
to watch the teaser in HD go to: http://vimeo.com/24234026
FAQ
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115
Backers
$25,667
pledged of $20,000 goal
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 23, 2011.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Stickers + a Digital Download of a 14 song KSK compilation
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
All of the above + a KSK T-shirt & KSK CD of your choice.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
All of the Above + Special Thanks in the end credits of the finished movie
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
All of the above + 2 KSK shirts, 2 KSK CD's & Limited edition portrait of a KSK artist by photographer Simon Weller
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
All of the Above + Associate Producer credit & entire KSK CD catalogue
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
All the Above + Executive Producer Credit & an authentic hand carved Djembe from Mali
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
All of the above + we fly you to Mali with us to premier the movie and you'll be the guest of honor at the KSK all-star concert in downtown Bamako
Project By
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Kanaga System Krush (KSK) is an independent record label, operating on a fair-trade principle, focused on the preservation and promotion of traditional music from West Africa. By bringing this music to the world market, KSK is opening new channels to an old tradition, as well as providing direct support to the carriers of this ancient knowledge. KSK and acclaimed producer Oz Fritz have produced and released nearly a dozen albums over the last five years, most notably Lobi Traore’s career-topping electric live set Bwati Kono. KSK is also producing a feature-length documentary “Music in Mali: Life is Hard, Music is Good” about the musicians, dancers and everyday people creating inspiring heartfelt music in some of the most difficult living conditions of West Africa.
