Acclaimed director Souleymane Cissé, recognized for advancing African storytelling through film, has died at age 84, leaving behind a monumental legacy in cinema.
Celebrated Maltese Filmmaker Souleymane Cissé Passes Away at 84
Celebrated Maltese Filmmaker Souleymane Cissé Passes Away at 84
Renowned for his contributions to African cinema, Cissé's legacy includes pivotal works that won multiple prestigious awards, including at Cannes.
Souléymane Cissé, the distinguished Malian filmmaker who made groundbreaking strides in African cinema, has passed away at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali. His death was confirmed by François Margolin, a longtime close friend and French film producer, who recounted a poignant last day for Cissé. Having just attended a news conference to present awards before the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Fespaco), Cissé was in high spirits, engaging in lively discussions and humor with attendees before resting for a nap he never woke from.
Cissé gained international acclaim with his film "Yeelen" ("Light" in Bambara) released in 1987, which won the prestigious Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and earned a nomination for Best Foreign Film at the 1989 Spirit Awards. Esteemed director Martin Scorsese praised "Yeelen" as "one of the great revelatory experiences of my moviegoing life," marking its impact on audiences and fellow filmmakers alike.
Throughout his illustrious 50-year career, Cissé became a vital champion of African narratives and perspectives in cinema. His commitment to the craft remained undiminished, as he continued to travel and work actively before his untimely passing. The legacy of Souléymane Cissé, an innovator and a storyteller, leaves an indelible mark on the global film industry and will inspire future generations of filmmakers.
