A poetic feature documentary that will change the way we see and think of Africa, through exploring the personal stories of West African jeliw, commonly known as griots.

Set in Mali, Guinea, The Gambia and Senegal, We Are the Blood will be an 85 minute documentary illuminating the role of traditional bards known as jeliw and showing how their evolving cultural status reflects social and economic changes within the region as it becomes part of an emerging global society. Through intimate character-based storytelling, animations, and interviews We Are the Blood introduces non-West African audiences to the crucial role played by these bardic praise singers and musicians in the preservation of identity, and the maintenance of peace in West African Mande culture.

All photographic images on this site taken by Eric Gustafson (Eric-G.com) and Charity B. Ellis. All Rights Reserved.