Akounak: In the Saharan desert, in the raucous city of Agadez, the electric guitar reigns supreme and rock musicians will do anything to survive. The film tells the story of one man and his struggle to make it, against all odds. Following his dream, he must endure fierce competition, family strife, and the trials of love - and come face to face with his biggest rival: himself. Akounak is not a documentary, but a stylised fictional tale and a homage on “Purple Rain” and “The Harder They Come”.
Tuareg guitar music (“ishumar guitar”) or so-called “desert blues” (popularised in the West through groups like Tinariwen and Bombino) began over thirty years ago as a folk expression of political rebellion.

CHRISTOPHER KIRKLEY:
Christopher Kirkley describes himself as a “fighter, rebellious music scientist of people’s music”. His research concentrates on the African coast region in West Africa. His works address modern folk music in a developing technological space and the interaction of local habits with the rest of the world, in addition to experimentation in cultural exchange. He releases music albums through “Sahel Sounds” and has a blog dedicated to exploring the region’s arts and music.

Free Admission