Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a prominent figure in African cinema known for his groundbreaking work spanning over five decades, has died at the age of 84. The news of his passing was announced by Malian television on Wednesday.
The cause of Cissé's death has not been disclosed to the public. The Malian government revealed that Cissé had recently hosted a press conference to unveil two trophies in anticipation of the 29th edition of Fespaco, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), scheduled to commence this upcoming weekend in the capital of Burkina Faso.
Cissé made history as the first Black African filmmaker to receive a feature film award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. His notable achievements include winning the jury prize in 1987 for his film “Yeelen” (The Light) and being honored with the Carrosse d’or for “Finye” (The Wind) in 2023. Additionally, Cissé was a two-time recipient of the Étalon d’or de Yennenga, the Grand Prize of the Ouagadougou Pan-African Film and Television Festival.
Originally from Bamako, Mali, Cissé pursued his education in Mali, Senegal, and Moscow. He served as the President of the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisuals of West Africa. Throughout his illustrious career, Cissé was celebrated for his dedication to African storytelling, profound humanism, and active involvement in political issues.
Tributes have been pouring in for Cissé, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the world of cinema and his unwavering commitment to his country and the arts. Mariam Cissé expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Papa died today in Bamako. We are all in shock. He dedicated all his life to his country, to cinema, and to art.”
