Souleymane Cissé, African Cinema Pioneer, Dies at 84

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Renowned Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a trailblazer in African cinema whose films were marked by profound humanism and political awareness, passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

It was Mariam Cissé who shared the sad news about her father’s passing. Speaking in Bamako, she expressed that they are all stunned by the loss. Throughout his life, he had devoted himself to his nation, cinema, and art. The reason for his demise has yet to be disclosed.

Abass Cissé, who hails from Bamako, Mali and studied cinema in Moscow, made history by becoming the first Black African filmmaker to receive an award for a feature film at Cannes in 1987 with “Yeelen” (“The Light”). This dramatic piece was inspired by Kenyan folklore tales that portray a struggle between a father and son over magical abilities.

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Abass Cissé, a filmmaker born in Bamako, Mali and educated in Moscow, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the first prize for a feature film at Cannes in 1987 with “Yeelen” (“The Light”). This captivating drama was based on Kenyan folklore stories about a father-son conflict over magical powers.

In 2014, his film “Timbuktu,” a passionate cry against extremist brutality and bigotry, was showcased in the Cannes competition and received widespread acclaim. It went on to win seven César awards in France, including Best Director and Best Film.

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In 2014, the film “Timbuktu,” which denounced fundamentalist violence and intolerance, was exhibited in the Cannes competition and received fantastic reviews. It ultimately won seven César awards in France, among them Best Director and Best Film.

In 2023, Cissé was bestowed the Carrosse d’Or award at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight for his film “Finye” (“The Wind”). This movie portrays a student uprising that takes place under a military regime, where they struggle against a societal structure steeped in ancient patriarchal beliefs and ancestral superstitions.

Among a multitude of film directors, Cissé stands out as one who has been honored with the grand prize not once but twice at the most prestigious Pan-African Film and TV Festival in Burkina Faso, known as FESPACO.

On Thursday, he was scheduled to travel to the capital city of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, where he would serve as head of the main jury for the 29th edition of the festival.

The news about Cissé’s passing sparked numerous heartfelt tributes. In a statement, Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffe, mourned the loss of “a colossus in African cinema.” New York’s Film at Lincoln Center hailed him as one of the greatest figures in cinema, specifically referencing his work, “Yeelen,” which they said catapulted African film into the global spotlight.

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2025-02-20 16:46