Moving Images: M.I.A. Releases New Short Film, “Broader Than A Border”

It seems like music is intertwining with film lately, and who other than the rawest gal in music to do it perfectly. Sonically transcendent, visually stimulating and overwhelmingly political, M.I.A. aggressively entrances the senses in her newly released short film, Matahdatah Scroll 01 “Broader Than a Border”.  Released on July 13 exclusively on iTunes and  Apple Music, the short film granted the English recording artist the opportunity to test her (budding?) directing and editing skills.

The short film, shot on location in India and Cote d’Ivoire, showcases the “distinct Indian and West African dance styles,” combining both a beautiful realism and brutal authenticity. Using the clang of actual swords to create the beat, M.I.A. truly captures the culture and talent of these young Indian dancers through skillful direction and tactful videography.

The short film features new track “Swords” from her forthcoming studio album, Matahdatah, and the previous Matangi release, “Warriors.”

The Matahdatah​ Scroll 01 “Broader Than A Border” is the first in a series of global releases over the next few months. Each collection will feature an ensemble of new M.I.A. songs and a video, each filmed in a different country—to be directed and edited by the singer herself. Each individual piece will be compiled together to form M.I.A.’s new album, Matahdatah. 

You can watch M.I.A.’s Matahdatah Scroll 01 “Broader Than A Border” and listen to “Swords” and “Warriors” exclusively on Apple Music now.