The "Hendrix of the Sahara" Coming to the Big Screen
Filming begins on documentary about the life and philanthropy of the Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré.
- Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) November 29, 2017 - Taking the stage at the MIMO Festival in Rio, Vieux Farka Touré’s musical pedigree is undisputed. Called “dazzling” and “one of the world’s greatest guitarists,” Touré electrifies his audiences with his own blend of Malian blues and rock and roll. There to capture the dynamic performer first-hand was the film crew from Media1044, based in Pasadena, CA, launching production of a documentary about the musician’s life, music, and deep desire to give back to the people Mali.
Exploring the influence of Touré’s legendary father, Ali Farka Touré, the documentary will examine Touré’s evolution as a musician and cultural ambassador in his own right. With collaborations the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Touré continues to break boundaries, moving seamlessly between blues, funk, reggae and praise music. His passion for the music is clear, “You can’t choose music to be a job. Music has to choose you. To make people happy is why I’m here – it’s what I have to do,” Touré said.
For the film’s producer and director of photography, Ian Campbell (ArtCenter College of Design ’98), shooting a project like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “The cultural history in Vieux's music and the skill with which he plays captures your attention and your heart,” says Campbell. “I'd like this documentary to communicate the feeling you get when you hear his music live.”
Crowdfunding has begun for the project, raising capital to send the Media1044 team to Mali to capture Touré is his hometown and amid the vibrant Malian culture. The team will also document the philanthropic efforts of Touré’s foundation, AMAHREC Sahel, which seeks to help those in need in the region. Five percent of the funds raised through the campaign will be donated to the foundation.
The Kickstarter campaign will run through December 15th. Original footage and photos available upon request.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1271223493/vieux-farka-toure-documentary
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam