Aminata, Dijbril, Djeneba, Hassan, Kadiatou, Madou: they are Bambara, Peule, Tamasheq, Songhai, Malinke. Boys and girls, youngsters and olden, men and women. They are the people living in Bamako (Mali) and trying to survive in a country in recession. Whilst the situation in the north of the country seemed to explode in March 2012, its population is now paying the price, with a crumbling government and the economy in tatters. The city of Bamako is holding its breath: war could break out at any moment. How do the people of Mali get through everyday life? How do they come to terms with the collapse of their own country? And how will they respond to the north wind, which brings with it such different interpretations of Islam from the religious community? Welcome to Bamako, year 0.

Julien Fiorentino, coordinator of “Mali Cinéma Numérique Ambulant”, has directed and produced many different films defending the image of western Africa abroad. In France, he directed “Avenue de la Liberté”, the first documentary on the topic of reformation in Fresnes prison. He also came up with “Dynamo Africa”, working as a coordinator and director of the project. His documentary “Bamako, year 0” took the first prize at the 14th Festival Image & Vie of Dakar.

Stanislas Duhau, graduated in literature and modern cinema, has directed many different documentaries as well as numerous short films. In 2006, a RECFLEA (Réseau des Centres de Francais Langue Etrangère d'Afrique) project took him to Togo, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria, giving him the opportunity to work and experiment with African directors and filmmaking groups.