With their unique blend of West African music, blues and soul, Malian couple Amadou & Mariam became World Music superstars in the 1990s, touring constantly, shuttling between homes in Paris and Bamako, and recording dozens of albums, in collaboration with the likes of Chris Martin, Damon Albarn and Manu Chao. All the more remarkable because the couple are both blind.
Filmed shortly before Amadou’s passing last year at the age of 70, Amadou et Mariam follows the artists as they work on what would prove to be their last album together and prepare for a major homecoming concert. Between studio sessions, rehearsals, and life on tour, the couple talk about their individual experiences of losing their sight at a young age, how they met and fell in love, the highlights of their career and their thoughts about Mali. The film paints a portrait of a duo driven by infectious joy and an unwavering faith in the power of sound to bring people together.
Jul 28 & 29: Q&A with director Ryan Marley
Ryan Marley
Amadou Bagayoko, Mariam Doumbia, Damon Albarn, Manu Chao, Chris Martin
Canada
2026
In French and English with English subtitles
Best Canadian Feature, Festival International du Film sur l’Art
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Credits
Producer
Katie Lafferty
Screenwriter
Sonia Godding-Togobo, Katie Lafferty, Ryan Marley
Cinematography
Paul Duck
Editor
Eugene Weis, Peter Strauss, Joe Krumins
Original Music
Gil Talmi, Cassiel McEvoy
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