The scene in which the cow was killed with a spear was done by sedating the cow under the supervision of a veterinarian and adding the spear digitally in post production - the animal was not harmed.
In 2015 Timbuktu became the first film shot in Mauritania by a Mauritanian director to win at the Cesar film awards. It won seven awards out of its eight nominations including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Music and Best Sound, thus setting the record for being the African film with the most awards ever.
First ever submission of Mauritania to the best foreign language film category of the Academy Awards.
Mauritania's first Oscar nomination ever.
Official submission of Mauritania to the best foreign language film category of the 87th Academy Awards 2015.