Not far from the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, proud cattle herder Kidane (Ibrahim Ahmed aka Pino) lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima (Toulou Kiki), his daughter Toya (Layla Walet Mohamed), and Issan (Mehdi Ag Mohamed), 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. Music, laughter, cigarettes, even soccer have been banned. The women have become shadows but resist with dignity. Every day, the new improvised courts issue tragic and absurd sentences. Kidane and his family are being spared the chaos that prevails in Timbuktu. But their destiny changes abruptly.

• Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2014 – Special Jury Award
• Cannes Film Festival 2014 – In competition for the Palme d’Or
• Durban International Film Festival 2014 – Best Actor
• Jerusalem Film Festival 2014 – Best Feature
• Academy Awards USA 2015 – Oscar Nomination Best Foreign Language Film
• César Awards France 2015 – Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Music, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Director, Best Film
• Lumiere Awards France 2015 – Best Director, Best Film