The Blind Couple From Mali

A film by
Ryan Marley

The Blind Couple From Mali

Genre

Documentary

Country

Canada

Year

2025

Format

Colour

Length

Language

English, French, Bambara
Director's notes
Cast
Crew

DIRECTING : Ryan Marley

SCREENWRITING : Sonia Godding-Togobo, Katie Lafferty, Ryan Marley

PRODUCTION : Katie Lafferty

CINEMATOGRAPHY : Paul Duck

SOUND DESIGN : Pini Halili, Robert Sinko

ORIGINAL SCORE: Gil Talmi, Cassiel McEvoy

EDITING : Eugene Weis, Peter Strauss, Joe Krumins

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Synopsis

Amadou & Mariam, the blind musical duo from Mali whose legendary sound has captivated audiences worldwide, embark on an extraordinary journey to record a new album, reconnect with their roots, and redefine their iconic music. Traveling across Spain, France, and Mali, the duo draws inspiration from the landscapes, traditions, and rhythms that shaped their sound while embracing fresh influences that push their music in new directions.The film offers an intimate look at their creative process, capturing both the joy and challenges of crafting a new studio album. Through behind-the-scenes footage and personal interviews, viewers witness their warmth, humor, and resilience, gaining insight into two artists whose music transcends borders. Amadou & Mariam’s journey is enriched by conversations with a stellar lineup of collaborators and admirers, including Damon Albarn, Chris Martin, Sofi Tukker, Mokobe, Matthieu Chedid, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and Vieux Farka Touré, who reflect on the duo’s global impact and artistic influence.Visually striking and emotionally resonant, the documentary weaves together studio sessions, live performances, and intimate moments across three countries, offering a cinematic exploration of music, identity, and legacy. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of creativity, cultural connection, and the transformative power of music through the eyes of two extraordinary artists.

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Festivals & awards

Cleveland International Film Festival

FIPADOC

Festival International du Film sur l'Art

Best Canadian Film
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CPH:DOX

Doxumentale

DOK.fest Munchen

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Director

About
Biography
Ryan
Marley

The Blind Couple From Mali | 2025

Old Enough! Canada | 2024-2025

My Haunted Hometown | 2024

Candidato 34 | 2022

Sitting Tall: The Patrick Anderson Story | 2021

Hoarders | 2023-2024

Intervention | 2017-2024

Employable Me | 2017-2022

Breaking Character | 2022

Griff's Canadian Adventure | 2022

Mutant Weather | 2019

Filmography

Ryan Marley is a Canadian filmmaker known for his work in documentary, factual television, and children’s programming. Nominated four times for the Canadian Screen Awards, he has directed more than 30 series and documentaries. Among his notable works is the documentary series Employable Me, which highlights job seekers living with physical disabilities or neurological conditions. The series has received international recognition, winning the Diversify TV Excellence Award at MIPCOM (2017 and 2020), multiple Rockie Awards, and the Canadian Screen Award for Best Factual Series. His documentary Sitting Tall: The Patrick Anderson Story follows the life and career of legendary wheelchair basketball player Patrick Anderson and won Best Documentary at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. In 2022, Candidato 34 was selected at four Oscar-qualifying festivals. His most recent feature documentary, The Blind Couple From Mali, has screened at major festivals including CPH:DOX, FIPADOC, and FIFA, where it won Best Canadian Feature.

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