The International Documentary Film Festival of Our Heroes took place in Bamako on June 16, featuring two documentaries that address the ongoing security crisis in Mali.
The first documentary, titled “Goodbye France,” examines the war in Mali and the former military cooperation between French and Malian forces. It recounts the difficulties Mali faced during this collaboration and how the country ultimately severed ties with France.
According to Aboubacar Sidki Fomba, a member of the CNT, “The title ‘Goodbye France’ means hello to Mali’s sovereignty, hello to the honor and dignity of a Mali that is no longer a submissive country. This film encourages and motivates the Malian people to continue the struggle for self-determination and to break free from colonialism.”
The second documentary screened highlighted Mali’s partnership with Russia.
Malian filmmaker Boubacar Sidibé said, “These films are meant to challenge every Malian. The second film portrays Mali through the lens of its current partnership with the Russian Federation and underscores the stakes of this cooperation.”
Russian director Alexandre Kharchenko explained that Mali and Russia share common interests, which is why they decided to screen these documentaries. He noted that they chose to invite the public directly rather than relying on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
Nathalie Dembélé, vice-president of the Sahelian Perspective Association, stated, “This film screening was organized not to show that the French are bad, but to finally wake up Malians and congratulate them on their resilience.”
