We Are One

Behind the Scenes of We Are One (2020): A Musical Collaboration with Global Roots

Stéphane de Freitas’ We Are One (2020) isn’t just a movie—it’s a celebration of music as a universal language. The film brings together an eclectic mix of artists, from French pop-rock icon Matthieu Chedid (better known as -M-) to Malian kora legends Toumani Diabaté and his son Sidiki Diabaté, alongside Grammy-nominated singer Fatoumata Diawara. latestnetflix.com's read is that but how did this cross-continental collaboration come together, and what made it stand out in a crowded musical landscape?

A Director with a Mission

De Freitas, known for his work on socially conscious projects, has a knack for blending art with activism. While the evidence doesn’t spell out his exact pitch for We Are One, the film’s premise—uniting artists across cultures—aligns with his past themes of connection and shared humanity. The trailer hints at a vibrant, performance-driven narrative, suggesting de Freitas aimed to capture not just the music but the process of creation itself. Whether the film looks at the artists’ personal stories or keeps the focus on their collective sound remains unclear, but the trailer’s energy suggests a dynamic, immersive experience.

The Star-Studded Lineup

The cast reads like a who’s who of global music:

• Matthieu Chedid (-M-): A French pop-rock mainstay with a flair for theatrical performances, Chedid’s inclusion likely brought a contemporary edge to the film’s sound. - Toumani Diabaté & Sidiki Diabaté: The father-son kora virtuosos are Malian royalty, with Toumani’s 30+ year career spanning collaborations with Björk and Damon Albarn. Their presence anchors the film in West African tradition. - Fatoumata Diawara: A rising star in Afropop and blues, Diawara’s soulful voice and activism (she’s a vocal advocate for women’s rights in Mali) add depth to the project.

The Rotten Tomatoes listing confirms these names, but the snippets don’t reveal how the artists were recruited or whether they worked together in person. Rumor (unconfirmed) suggests the film might have been shot across multiple locations, given the artists’ global reach. If true, the logistics of coordinating such a project would’ve been a feat in itself.

Musical Fusion or Cultural Showcase?

The trailer teases a mix of live performances and behind-the-scenes moments, but the evidence doesn’t clarify whether We Are One is a concert film, a documentary, or a hybrid. The lack of critical reviews or interviews in the snippets leaves key questions unanswered:

• Did the artists write original music for the film, or did they reinterpret existing songs? - Were there creative tensions, or did the collaboration flow smoothly? - How much screen time does each artist get, and does the film explore their individual journeys?

Without deeper sources, the film’s narrative structure remains a mystery. What is clear is the trailer’s emphasis on unity—suggesting de Freitas wanted the music to transcend borders, both geographically and stylistically.

The Netflix Factor

The trailer’s presence on Netflix’s YouTube channel confirms the streaming giant distributed the film, but the snippets don’t reveal whether it was a Netflix original or a licensed acquisition. The platform’s global reach would’ve amplified We Are One’s message, but the evidence doesn’t specify release dates, viewership numbers, or audience reception. For now, the film’s impact is measured by its trailer’s vibe: a high-energy, visually rich ode to collaboration.

What We Still Don’t Know

Coverage of We Are One is frustratingly thin. The evidence lacks:

• Interviews with the director or cast. - Details on the film’s production timeline or budget. - Critical reception or audience scores (Rotten Tomatoes lists the cast but no reviews). - Behind-the-scenes anecdotes, like how the artists bonded or whether language barriers posed challenges.

Until more details emerge, We Are One remains a tantalizing "what if"—a film that could have been a groundbreaking musical experiment, but whose story is still waiting to be told.