A Legendary Force in African Cinema: Souleymane Cissé Passes Away

Celebrated as a trailblazer in African film, Souleymane Cissé's work has inspired generations. His passion for storytelling and advocacy for the film industry continue to resonate.

Malian film maestro Souleymane Cissé, a monumental figure in African cinema, has died at the age of 84, as confirmed by his daughter Mariam Cissé. His passing took place in a clinic in the capital city, Bamako, and the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Cissé made history in 1987 when his groundbreaking film "Yeelen" (The Light) won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, marking him as the first filmmaker from sub-Saharan Africa to earn such a prestigious accolade.

His illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he accumulated numerous awards and accolades. Most recently, in 2023, he was honored with the Carrosse d'Or award from Cannes, a recognition reserved for filmmakers who have made significant impacts in cinema through their bold and uncompromising works.

Due to his immense contributions, he held the distinction of being a double winner of the grand prize at Fespaco, the biannual Pan-African Film Festival. He had plans to attend the festival as a jury president when he passed. The film community and beyond are mourning the loss of Cissé, with Mali's Culture Minister Mamou Daffé proclaiming him a "monument of African cinema," and fellow director Boubacar Sidibé echoing the sentiment that the country’s film industry is in mourning.

Cissé's films were celebrated for their rich narratives intertwined with themes of humanity and politics. His debut feature, "Den Muso" (The Young Girl), released in 1975, tackled serious societal issues and became an African classic; however, it faced censorship from Malian authorities, leading to Cissé’s imprisonment due to accepting French funding for the project. His works include notable films such as "Finyè" (The Wind) and "Waati" (Time), with "Yeelen" being a highlight of his remarkable career.

Born in Bamako and spending parts of his childhood in Senegal, Cissé studied film in Moscow, becoming part of the first generation of African filmmakers. He actively advocated for governmental support and investment in film, serving as the founding president of a union for West African cinema and audiovisual entrepreneurs. Cissé consistently challenged the barriers faced by African cinema, vocally denouncing censorship and urging emerging filmmakers toward independence rather than reliance on foreign funding.

In a poignant final statement before his passing, Cissé called on Mali’s military government to bolster the country's film industry, emphasizing the importance of visibility in cinema, urging, “May the authorities help us with the construction of cinemas.” His visionary perspectives have solidified his role as a beloved figure and a catalyst for change in African cinema.