Souleymane Cisse, the renowned Malian film director considered a pillar of African cinema, has died at the age of 84. His daughter confirmed his passing on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reports.
Cisse leaves behind a remarkable legacy of over half a century marked by a dedication to African storytelling, humanism, and political engagement. He is celebrated for his contributions to cinema and his commitment to showcasing African voices and perspectives on the global stage.
Cisse gained international recognition when he won the jury prize at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival for “Yeelen” (“Brightness”), a film that drew inspiration from the legends of West Africa’s Bambara people.
In 2023, Cannes honored him with the Carrosse d’Or, an award recognizing directors who have made significant contributions to cinema history through their boldness and standards.
Fellow Malian director Boubacar Sidibe expressed his condolences on Facebook, noting the Sahel country’s film industry was in mourning. Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffe, also lamented the loss of “this monument of African cinema.”
Cisse is one of only two filmmakers to have twice won the grand prize at Burkina Faso’s Panafrican Film and Television Festival (FESPACO), a highly prestigious event in Africa. He was scheduled to head the features jury for the festival’s 29th edition, beginning February 22, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
In a 2023 interview, Cisse spoke about the challenges facing African cinema, criticizing what he described as “censorship” and “contempt” that hinder the global distribution of African films.
