Synopsis
A diverse array of artists took to the stage for this remarkable concert, staged in the often-hostile surroundings of the Sahara Desert. Taking place on a remote location about five hours drive outside of Timbuktu, the festival was a unique experience for both the organizers and the acts who graciously appeared. Director Lionel Brouet was on hand to capture the proceedings on camera, leading to this astonishing film of the show. Among the artists traversing out to the barren landscape were former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen, Oumou Sangare, and many others. Aside from the music on offer, Brouet offers a startling expose of how the festival was organized, detailing its centuries-old history, and explaining how it was technologically possible to stage a modern upgrade of the event. A remarkable achievement, this is a fascinating document of a very special occasion.
