In brief
Celebrated for his award-winning films and advocacy for African storytelling, Cissé's impact on global cinema will be remembered.
Souleymane Cissé, the iconic Malian filmmaker who made history as the first Black African winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, has passed away at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali. His embrace of African cinema and storytelling earned him a well-deserved reputation as an influential figure in the industry.Cissé’s friend and French film producer François Margolin confirmed his passing, mentioning that Cissé was active and engaged until the very end. Just hours before his death, he had attended a news conference to present awards ahead of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Fespaco), where he was scheduled to lead the jury.The filmmaker rose to international prominence with his 1987 film “Yeelen,” which not only won accolades at Cannes but was also hailed by director Martin Scorsese as a transformative cinematic experience. His artistic journey spanned over 50 years, during which he garnered multiple awards, championing the richness and diversity of African narratives. Cissé’s contributions will continue to inspire future generations in the world of film.
