Vieux Farka Toure, at home in Mali, 2009
In addition to committing to being the star of the film, Vieux Farka Touré, the son of the legendary guitarist Ali Farka Touré, has generously offered to help in all aspects of production. Having Vieux on set to sign off on issues of authenticity is a privilege that Sam and the production staff have worked long and hard to be honored with. Vieux is also instrumental in keeping production costs as low as possible by offering help in securing the rights to Ali’s music and making sure that the production is at no time taken advantage of—carrying the Farka Toure name onto the battle field of production in Mali essentially opens all doors.
Without Vieux Farka Touré there is no Vieux Mali.