Souleymane Cisse, one of the most revered figures in African cinema and a trailblazer in the film industry, has passed away at the age of 84. The Malian director, widely celebrated for his artistic vision and political engagement, died on Wednesday, as confirmed by his daughter Mariam Cisse.
“Papa died today in Bamako. We are all in shock. He dedicated all his life to his country, to cinema, and to art,” she said.
Cisse gained international recognition when he won the jury’s prize at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival for Yeelen (Brightness), a groundbreaking film inspired by the legends of West Africa’s Bambara people. His commitment to African storytelling and cinematic excellence earned him further accolades, including the prestigious Carrosse d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, which honors directors who have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
Despite his global acclaim, Cisse remained deeply involved in Africa’s film industry, working tirelessly to elevate Malian and African cinema on the world stage. His Carrosse d’Or award was stolen from his home in 2024 before being recovered, a symbolic testament to the immense value of his legacy.
Malian director Boubacar Sidibe expressed his sorrow, stating that the country’s film industry was in “mourning.” Minister of Culture Mamou Daffe lamented the loss of “this monument of African cinema.” The Film at Lincoln Center, a prestigious non-profit organization, also praised Cisse, highlighting how Yeelen helped bring African cinema to global audiences.
Cisse was one of only two filmmakers to have won the grand prize at Burkina Faso’s Panafrican Film and Television Festival (FESPACO) twice, solidifying his status as a leading force in African cinema. He was set to travel to Ouagadougou on Thursday to preside over the jury at the 29th edition of the festival’s feature film competition.
In a 2023 interview with AFP, Cisse criticized the barriers that prevent African films from reaching wider audiences, citing censorship and distribution challenges. Even on the morning of his death, he remained committed to advocating for African cinema, urging Mali’s military-led government—having declared 2025 the “Year of Culture”—to invest in the country’s film industry.
“It is not enough to make cinema; the works must also be visible. May the authorities help us with the construction of cinemas,” he stated at a news conference just hours before his passing. “This is the appeal I make to them before my death, if God wills it.”
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