Souleymane Cissé, an esteemed Malian filmmaker and pioneer of African cinema, has died at the age of 84. Known for his groundbreaking work, he made significant contributions to film, including winning prestigious awards like the Jury Prize at Cannes. Cissé was active until his last days, recently presenting awards for an upcoming film festival.
Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a prominent figure in African cinema, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by Malian television, although the cause was not disclosed. He had recently participated in a press conference to present trophies for the upcoming 29th edition of Fespaco, the prestigious Pan-African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Cissé was a trailblazer, being the first Black African filmmaker to win a feature film prize at the Cannes Film Festival, where he received acclaim for his work. Notably, he won the Jury Prize in 1987 for his film ‘Yeelen’ (The Light) and recently earned the Carrosse d’or in 2023 for ‘Finye’ (The Wind). Additionally, he received the Étalon d’or de Yennenga, the Grand Prize of the Ouagadougou Festival, twice during his illustrious career.
Born in Bamako, Mali, Cissé studied in Mali, Senegal, and Moscow. He also served as President of the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisuals of West Africa, promoting the importance of African storytelling through cinema. His life’s work has been characterized by a strong commitment to political engagement and deep humanism.
Tributes have been pouring in for Cissé, marking the impact of his work in the film industry over the last fifty years. His daughter Mariam Cissé expressed the family’s grief, stating, “Papa died today in Bamako. We are all in shock. He dedicated all his life to his country, to cinema and to art.”
In summary, Souleymane Cissé’s passing marks the loss of a pioneering voice in African cinema. His achievements and contributions have established a legacy of storytelling that resonates deeply within the cultural landscape. Cissé’s influence will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers dedicated to African narratives and human experiences.
Original Source: apnews.com
