Renowned Malian film director, Souleymane Cissé, a key figure in African cinema, has passed away at the age of 84.
His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed his death at a clinic in Bamako, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of “a man who dedicated his life to film and art.”
The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Cissé’s work gained international prominence in 1987 when his film Yeelen (The Light) earned the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, making him the first sub-Saharan African filmmaker to receive such an honour.
His groundbreaking career spanned over five decades, during which he received numerous awards and accolades.
In 2023, Cannes recognized Cissé with the prestigious Carrosse d’Or award, a tribute given to directors who have made an indelible mark on the history of cinema through their audacity, precision, and uncompromising storytelling.
He was also a two-time recipient of the grand prize at Fespaco, the Pan-African Film Festival, which celebrates African cinema.
At the time of his passing, Cissé had been preparing to travel to Burkina Faso to preside over the jury at 2025 Fespaco, which is set to open on Saturday.
A Legacy of Bold and Socially Conscious Filmmaking
Tributes have poured in from across the continent, recognizing Cissé’s impact on African storytelling.
Mali’s Culture Minister, Mamou Daffé, mourned the loss of “this monument of African cinema,” while fellow Malian director Boubacar Sidibé described the nation’s film industry as being “in mourning.”
Cissé was widely celebrated for his films’ depth, political engagement, and humanistic themes.
His first feature film, Den Muso (The Young Girl), released in 1975, is considered an African classic.
Shot in Bambara, it tells the harrowing story of a young girl who is raped, becomes pregnant, and is subsequently rejected by her family.
However, the Malian authorities banned the film, and Cissé was imprisoned for accepting French funding.
Despite this, he continued to create socially conscious films, writing the script for his second feature, Baara (Work), while still in prison. His other notable works include Finyè (The Wind) (1981) and Yeelen (The Light) (1987), the latter securing his historic Cannes victory. His final film, Waati (Time), was released in 1995.
Champion of African Cinema
Born in Bamako, Cissé spent part of his childhood in Senegal before pursuing film studies in Moscow, Russia.
As one of the pioneers of African cinema, he dedicated himself to advocating for greater support and investment in the industry. He founded the Union of West African Cinema and Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, pushing for policies that would strengthen the sector.
Throughout his career, Cissé was vocal about the challenges facing African filmmakers, frequently speaking out against censorship and the obstacles imposed by foreign funding.
He urged young filmmakers to pursue financial independence rather than relying on European institutions.
Even in his final hours, he remained committed to the progress of African cinema.
Speaking before his passing, he called on Mali’s military government to revitalize the industry and help local filmmakers compete with their continental peers.
“It is not enough to make cinema, the works must also be visible,” he stated, as quoted by AFP. “May the authorities help us with the construction of cinemas.”
His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for African cinema will continue to inspire generations to come.
