What is Timbuktu the movie about?
Islamic militants occupy the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, imposing a regime of terror. Not far from there, cattle herder Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his family.
Timbuktu/Film synopsis
What is Timbuktu famous for?
Timbuktu is best known for its famous Djinguereber Mosque and prestigious Sankore University, both of which were established in the early 1300s under the reign of the Mali Empire, most famous ruler, Mansa Musa.
Is Timbuktu a real place?
Timbuktu, French Tombouctou, city in the western African country of Mali, historically important as a trading post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a centre of Islamic culture (c. 1400–1600). It is located on the southern edge of the Sahara, about 8 miles (13 km) north of the Niger River.
What is the religion in Timbuktu?
Timbuktu was a center of Islamic scholarship under several African empires, home to a 25,000-student university and other madrasahs that served as wellsprings for the spread of Islam throughout Africa from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Where are the Timbuktu manuscripts now?
The largest single collection of manuscripts in Timbuktu – about 18,000 of them – is housed at the Ahmed Baba Institute. The rest are scattered throughout the city’s many private libraries and collections (like the Imam Essayouti, Al Aquib, and Al Wangara manuscript libraries).
Why do we say Timbuktu?
It turns out that in the 1800’s, Timbuktu was considered a place of mythical riches. In 1824, the Geographical Society of Paris offered a reward of 7,000 Francs and a gold medal valued at 2,000 Francs to the first European who could visit Timbuktu.
Which city in Mali has a huge library?
Timbuktu, Mali, is the legendary city founded as a commercial center in West Africa nine hundred years ago. Today it is synonymous with the phrase “utterly remote,” but this was not always so.
How old are Timbuktu manuscripts?
The manuscripts are written in various styles of the Arabic script and date back to as early as the 13th century. These styles were developed in Timbuktu and the surrounding regions of Mali and West Africa.
What are the reviews for the movie Timbuktu?
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 99% approval rating and an average rating of 8.9/10 based on 115 reviews. The website’s critical consensus reads, “Gracefully assembled and ultimately disquieting, Timbuktu is a timely film with a powerful message.”
What did Toya do in the movie Timbuktu?
The jihadists chase the motorcyclist into the desert, while Toya is seen running, closely followed by Issan. Throughout the film, subsidiary scenes show the reactions of Timbuktu’s residents to the jihadist rule.
Who was Best Actor in Timbuktu Winter Sleep?
Timothy Spall’s best actor win for his grunting, genius turn in Mr Turner was not a shock. The rest of the jury’s choices – including their estimable pick for Winter Sleep – were complete curveballs 4 out of 5 stars. 4 out of 5 stars.
Who are the main characters in the book Timbuktu?
Summary: Not far from Timbuktu, now ruled by the religious fundamentalists, Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima, his daughter Toya, and Issan, their twelve-year-old shepherd. In town, the people suffer, powerless, from the regime of terror imposed by the Jihadists determined to control their faith.