Portal:African cinema/Selected score/5

Timbuktu (2014) is a Mauritanian-French drama directed by Abderrahmane Sissako. Inspired by real events which first unfolded in June of 2012, the film depicts how a peaceful way of life is brutally upended by the Jihadist group Ansar Dine’s occupation of Timbuktu in Mali.

The musical score composed by Tunisian, Amine Bouhafa was described as haunting and evocative and perfectly complemented the themes of cultural suppression and human resilience, earning widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and cultural authenticity as the film score incorporated traditional Malian instruments and melodies.

Timbuktu went on to win seven awards at the 40th César Awards, including Best Film Score, making Bouhafa one of the Cesar’s youngest winners. His work on Timbuktu also won him the FESPACO prize and the France Musique-Sacem prize for film music. Among Timbuktu’s numerous other nominations and awards include Best Film at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards where it distinguished itself with the most wins.