Souleymane Cissé, the revered Malian filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work that highlighted African narratives, has died at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali.
Souleymane Cissé: A Legacy of African Cinema Ends with His Passing
Souleymane Cissé: A Legacy of African Cinema Ends with His Passing
Celebrated Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé dies at 84, remembered for his contributions to cinema and African culture.
Souleymane Cissé, the first Black African filmmaker to receive the Jury Prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, has passed away in Bamako, Mali, on Wednesday. His death was confirmed by François Margolin, a French film producer and long-time friend, following Mr. Cissé’s participation in a news conference to announce awards ahead of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, known as Fespaco. After the event, where he was in good spirits, he took a nap and did not awaken.
Cissé gained international acclaim with the 1987 release of "Yeelen" (translated as "Light" in Bambara), a film that not only won the Cannes Jury Prize but was also nominated for the best foreign film at the 1989 Spirit Awards. Esteemed director Martin Scorsese referred to “Yeelen” as “one of the great revelatory experiences of my moviegoing life.” Throughout his life, Cissé actively championed African cinema, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Until his final moments, Cissé remained vibrant and engaged, tirelessly advancing his projects and traveling for appearances worldwide, according to Margolin. Cissé’s contributions to African film are profound, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
Cissé gained international acclaim with the 1987 release of "Yeelen" (translated as "Light" in Bambara), a film that not only won the Cannes Jury Prize but was also nominated for the best foreign film at the 1989 Spirit Awards. Esteemed director Martin Scorsese referred to “Yeelen” as “one of the great revelatory experiences of my moviegoing life.” Throughout his life, Cissé actively championed African cinema, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Until his final moments, Cissé remained vibrant and engaged, tirelessly advancing his projects and traveling for appearances worldwide, according to Margolin. Cissé’s contributions to African film are profound, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
