Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a towering figure in African cinema, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 in a clinic in Bamako, his daughter confirms.
A visionary director, Cissé devoted over half a century to storytelling, blending African traditions with political and humanist themes. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global film community.
Born in Bamako in 1940, Souleymane Cissé became one of Africa’s most celebrated filmmakers. His 1987 masterpiece Yeelen (Brightness), which drew from the legends of the Bambara people, won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic moment for African cinema.
In 2023, Cannes recognised him again with the Carrosse d’Or, an award honouring filmmakers who have left an indelible mark on cinema. “This award encourages me to make new films, to reinvent myself and change my vision,” he said at the time.
Throughout his career, Cissé was a fierce advocate for African cinema, urging filmmakers to free themselves from reliance on European funding. In a 2011 interview, he criticised the “miserabilist approach” that forced African directors to plead for financial support from Europe.
His impact on the continent’s film industry was immense. He was one of only two filmmakers to win the grand prize at Burkina Faso’s Panafrican Film and Television Festival (FESPACO) twice. He was to chair the jury for this year’s festival, which begins on February 22 in Ouagadougou.
Even on the day of his death, Cissé continued his fight for African cinema, calling on Mali’s military-led government to support the 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 urged at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
In his final words to the public, he made a heartfelt appeal: “This is the appeal I make to them before my death, if God wills it.”
