Faith Nyasuguta
Renowned Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cisse, a trailblazer in African cinema, has died at the age of 84, Malian television announced on Wednesday. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Cisse’s passing comes just days after he held a press conference to present two trophies ahead of the 29th edition of FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), set to open this weekend in Burkina Faso’s capital.
Celebrated for his profound contributions to African storytelling, Cisse became the first Black African filmmaker to win a feature film prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. His 1987 film Yeelen (The Light) earned the Jury Prize, cementing his status as a cinematic pioneer. In 2023, he was honored with the Carrosse d’Or for his 1982 film Finye (The Wind).
Cisse’s work often explored themes of tradition, power, and generational conflict, reflecting Mali’s social and political realities. He twice won the Etalon d’Or de Yennenga, the top prize at FESPACO, further solidifying his legacy in African cinema.
Born in Bamako, Mali, in 1940, Cisse studied in Mali, Senegal, and Moscow before dedicating his life to film. He also served as President of the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisuals of West Africa, advocating for African filmmakers.
Tributes have poured in, remembering him as a visionary committed to African identity, cultural preservation, and political expression.
“Papa died today in Bamako. We are all in shock. He dedicated his life to his country, to cinema, and to art,” said his daughter, Mariam Cisse.
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