Souleymane Cissé, renowned for his contributions to African cinema, has died at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali. His death comes shortly after a news conference where he was actively engaged in promoting the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou.
Celebrated Malian Filmmaker Souleymane Cissé Passes Away at 84
Celebrated Malian Filmmaker Souleymane Cissé Passes Away at 84
The acclaimed director and advocate for African cinema dies in Bamako, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films.
Cissé gained international recognition in 1987 with the release of "Yeelen" (meaning "Light" in Bambara), which won the prestigious Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Celebrated filmmaker Martin Scorsese hailed the film as a “great revelatory experience,” marking Cissé as the first Black African to achieve this accolade at Cannes. François Margolin, a close friend and French producer, confirmed his passing, stating that Cissé was in good spirits just before his death. He was still engaged in projects and traveling internationally, showcasing a dedication to cinema that spanned over five decades.
The legacy of Souleymane Cissé will likely resonate in African filmmaking for generations to come, as he remains a vital figure in advocating for increased representation and appreciation of African stories in the global film industry. His work is not only celebrated for its artistic merit but also for its role in empowering African voices in the cinematic landscape.
The legacy of Souleymane Cissé will likely resonate in African filmmaking for generations to come, as he remains a vital figure in advocating for increased representation and appreciation of African stories in the global film industry. His work is not only celebrated for its artistic merit but also for its role in empowering African voices in the cinematic landscape.
