Timbuktu is an Arabic and French foreign language film that
follows the narrative of Daesh-like (ISIS) Jihadist group traveling to a village outside
of Timbuktu, Mali and establishing their strict rule of law over the people
living there.
The film, which includes speech
in Arabic, French, English, Bambara, Songhay and Tamashek, focuses in on how
Daesh fighters operate across North and West Africa. Shedding light on how people
living in the region are effected by militant extremists.
Synopsis
Timbuktu zeroes in on Kidane, a cattle herder who lives just outside of a local village with his wife Satima and his daughter
Toya. The three live peaceful lives away from conflict and have good
relationships with people living inside the town.
When Jihadists come to the region, the family remains largely untouched as the militants focus in on the people living inside the town’s borders.
When Jihadists come to the region, the family remains largely untouched as the militants focus in on the people living inside the town’s borders.
However, this changes when KIdane’s cattle herd causes problems with Bambara locals, which turns rotten. News passes through the town to the point where the Jihadists hold Kidane’s life is in their hands.
The remainder of the film follows the townspeople of the
Malian village as the Jihadists seek to impose their rule, outlawing things
like music, film, cigarettes, football and even laughter. All while the
Jihadists bring along a host of other problems to the region.
Important Themes
Timbuktu directly reflects on Daesh and other Jihadist spheres
of control across North and West Africa. People across locations of the region are often thrown into limbo due to warring conflicts and strife that
follows these extremists.
Mali is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in West Africa, with the Bambara people making one
third of the country’s entire population and eight other ethnic groups making
up the remaining two thirds of the citizenry.
The country gained independence from France in 1960 after a brutal 70 year period of colonial rule. After obtaining
freedom from their imperial rulers, the people sought to return to Malian traditions
pre-colonialism.
This saw Islam become the main religion of the country, an abolition of any state religion (previously Christianity) and an adoption of laws and freedoms separate from religion. Today 95% of the Malian population is Muslim and a separation
between religion and State remains steadfast.
However, as we know North-Western Africa also remains to be
a region where Islamic extremists call home.
One of the largest and most significant groups of the region is Ansar Dine. They are responsible for forcibly enacting rule of law onto people, destroying ancient heritage sites and ruthlessly battering any religious minorities.
The group has direct connections with Al-Qaeda and Daesh. Along with a similar principle and mandate to spread their hate and rule across the region.
One of the largest and most significant groups of the region is Ansar Dine. They are responsible for forcibly enacting rule of law onto people, destroying ancient heritage sites and ruthlessly battering any religious minorities.
The group has direct connections with Al-Qaeda and Daesh. Along with a similar principle and mandate to spread their hate and rule across the region.
Timbuktu illustrates this aspect of extremism in the region
well. Providing an insight into how extremism has spread to France and has come
back to Mali in the form of Ansar Dine and Daesh.
Conclusion
Altogether, Timbuktu is an impressive film. It
tells a story of how an entire village and small family deals with the appearance
of extremists. Detailing just how unpredictable and dangerous life is like in the
region.
Timbuktu follows an intricate storyline and slowly pulls you
into it. The film may not be flashy, full of action and thrills. Instead, it is
full of mystery and anticipation. Creating a palpable atmosphere.
Be sure to add Timbuktu to your watch list. It is worth
the watch. It will suck you into the film’s setting. Giving you a great film experience.
Even if you are watching it from your couch.
