Souleymane Cissé, an influential Malian filmmaker and Cannes winner, has died at 84. Recognized for his contributions to African cinema, he won the Jury Prize at Cannes for “Yeelen” in 1987. Cissé was a vocal advocate for the film industry and received the Carrosse d’Or award in 2023. His passing has prompted widespread tributes from the film community and cultural officials.
Souleymane Cissé, a pioneering Malian film director, has passed away at the age of 84. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed his death at a clinic in Bamako, expressing profound grief over the loss of someone who devoted his life to cinema and the arts. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
Cissé gained significant recognition in 1987 when his film “Yeelen” won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic achievement as he became the first sub-Saharan African filmmaker to receive an award at the festival. His prolific career spanned over 50 years, earning him numerous accolades.
In 2023, Cissé received the Carrosse d’Or award from Cannes, which honors directors who have significantly shaped cinema with their boldness and high standards. He was also a two-time winner of the grand prize at the Pan-African Film Festival, Fespaco. He was slated to oversee the jury at an upcoming festival in Burkina Faso at the time of his passing.
Cissé’s commitment to African storytelling has drawn tremendous acclaim, with tributes pouring in following his death. Mali’s Culture Minister Mamou Daffé referred to him as a “monument of African cinema,” while director Boubacar Sidibé shared sentiments of mourning within the country’s film industry.
Film enthusiasts have praised Cissé for his films’ complexity and political relevance. His debut feature, “Den Muso,” released in 1975, is regarded as an African classic, despite facing a ban by Malian authorities due to its sensitive themes, which led to Cissé’s imprisonment.
Besides “Den Muso,” Cissé produced several notable works, including “Finyè” (1981) and “Waati” (1995). Born in Bamako, he spent part of his childhood in Senegal and later studied film in Moscow, becoming a trailblazer among his contemporaries in African cinema
Throughout his career, Cissé advocated for increased government support for the film industry and founded a union for West African cinema entrepreneurs. He was vocal about challenges facing African cinema, including censorship and a lack of recognition, urging future filmmakers to seek independence in financing.
In his final hours, Cissé implored Mali’s military government to bolster the nation’s film industry to compete regionally. His last poignant statement emphasized the importance of visibility for cinematic works, urging authorities to aid in cinema construction.
Souleymane Cissé’s legacy as a trailblazer in African cinema is characterized by his commitment to storytelling and advocacy for industry support. His winning of major awards, including the Cannes Jury Prize, marks significant milestones for sub-Saharan African artists. Cissé’s works, often entwined with political themes, resonate deeply within the film community, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
