Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cisse, a pioneering figure in African cinema, has passed away at the age of 84. His daughter, Mariam Cisse, confirmed his death at a clinic in the capital, Bamako, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the world of film and art.
The cause of Cisse’s death has yet to be disclosed, but tributes have poured in from across the globe as the film industry remembers his groundbreaking contributions. Cisse, who gained international acclaim in 1987 with his film Yeelen (The Light), was the first Sub-Saharan African filmmaker to win a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. His work paved the way for a new generation of African filmmakers and brought African stories to the global stage.
Cisse’s career spanned over 50 years, and his films were celebrated for their complex narratives, political engagement, and humanistic themes. His first feature film, Den Muso (The Young Girl), made in 1975, is considered a classic of African cinema. Despite the film being banned by the Malian authorities for its controversial subject matter, Cissé continued to fight for freedom of expression in film.
In 2023, Cisse was honored with the Carrosse d’Or award at Cannes for his profound impact on cinema, an award typically reserved for directors whose boldness and exacting standards have shaped the history of film.
Cisse’s death comes at a time when he was due to travel to Burkina Faso to preside over the jury at the Pan-African Film Festival (FESPACO), a significant role that underscores his stature within the African and international film communities.