A pioneering Malian filmmaker and one of the fathers of African cinema, Souleymane Cissé, has passed away at the age of 84.

His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed his death at a clinic in Bamako, but did not provide details about his illness or condition.

Cissé’s career spanned over 50 years, and he was known for his commitment to African storytelling, deep humanism, and political engagement.

BIRTH

Souleymane Cissé was born on April 21, 1940, in Bamako, French Sudan (now Mali).

He was raised in a Muslim family and had a passion for cinema from a young age. Cissé had eight brothers and one sister.

His father was a prominent figure in the Malian government, serving as a minister, while his mother was a homemaker.

His family played a major role in his life and work, and he often drew inspiration from his upbringing and cultural heritage

EDUCATION

Souleymane Cissé had a diverse educational background. He studied in Mali, Senegal, and Moscow.

He attended secondary school in Dakar, Senegal, and later returned to Mali after its independence in 1960.

Cissé received a scholarship to study film direction at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow, Russia, where he honed his skills in filmmaking.

CAREER

Cissé gained international recognition in 1987 when his film “Yeelen” (The Light) won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, making him the first black African filmmaker to win the prize.

He was also honored with the Carrosse d’Or award at Cannes in 2023 for his contributions to cinema. Throughout his career, Cissé was a vocal advocate for government support and investment in the African film industry.

MARRIAGE

Souleymane Cissé was married to Oumou Cissé. They had a strong partnership, both personally and professionally. Together, they had three children: Mariam, Fatoumata, and Aboubacar.

His passing is a significant loss to the world of cinema, and tributes have been pouring in from around the globe, praising his dedication to film and art.