The International Documentary Film Festival of Our Heroes took place in Bamako on June 16, focusing primarily on two documentaries related to the security situation that has affected Mali in recent years.
The first documentary, titled “Goodbye France,” deals with the war in Mali and the cooperation between the French and Malian armies. It recounts the difficulties Mali experienced during this collaboration and how the country ultimately broke ties with France.
According to film enthusiast and CNT member Aboubacar Sidki Fomba, “the title ‘Goodbye France’ is a way to say hello to Mali’s sovereignty, hello to the honor and dignity of Mali, which is no longer a submissive nation. This film encourages and motivates the Malian people to continue the struggle for self-determination and to free themselves from colonization.”
The second film screened highlighted the partnership with Russia.
Malian filmmaker Boubacar Sidibé explained, “the films shown should challenge all Malians. This second film presents Mali through the lens of its current partnership with the Russian Federation and underscores all the stakes involved in this collaboration.”
Russian director Alexandre Kharchenko noted that Mali and Russia share common interests, which is why they decided to screen these films. He added that they preferred to invite the public rather than relying on other channels such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and others.
Nathalie Dembélé, vice-president of the Sahelian Perspective Association, stated, “this film screening was organized not to make Malians think the French are bad, but to finally awaken Malians and congratulate them for their resilience.”
