Angelique is a survivor. Born in Mali, she runs away from a father who wants her to submit to FGM, escapes to Paris from Islamic extremists who threatened to kill her for singing in public, and is harassed by a jealous nightclub owner. She is desperate to earn money to support herself and her 7 year old daughter.

 

She meets a charismatic world music producer who is impressed with her music. He offers her a recording contract and inspires her to compose and sing her own songs. At last a soul mate - or is he?  

 

Memories of his childhood in the Algerian War of Independence, where his mother was killed in a cafe bombing, come back to haunt him.  Sober, he is a genius. Drunk or drugged, he is a disaster.

 

Angelique prepares to weather yet another storm:

 

I’m no Diva with attitude.  No customized jet and hangers-on for me. I’m a wandering musician, singing from my heart to those who appreciate my work. I want to live my life - tell my own story - change things for myself and for other women. Music is the spirit of Mali. Music will empower us.

 

An atmospheric North African music track backs the fast-paced action in the heat of the Malian desert and the chaos of the Parisian streets filled with the glittering arc of petrol bombs as immigrants, protesting about unemployment and squalid tower blocks, clash with Gendarmerie.

 

An extract from the script was workshopped at BAFTA and shortlisted for a Sundance Screenwriting Fellowship.

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JAGO

I've been thinking, why don't you stay in the spare flat in the studio?

 

ANGELIQUE

It's great working with you ...but I need to make a living out of my singing.

 

JAGO

How is taking the flat going to jeopardise that?

 

ANGELIQUE

Listen, we have a great working relationship, and we’re friends.

 

JAGO

Friends?

 

ANGELIQUE

People who like and help each other. It is possible between men and women.

 

JAGO

No sex?

 

She shakes her head.

 

ANGELIQUE

We can still hang out together.

 

JAGO

Sure we can.