Souleymane Cissé, a prominent figure in African cinema, has passed away at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali. His death occurred on February 20, 2025, shortly after he participated in a news conference for the upcoming Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Fespaco).
Cissé gained international recognition with his film „Yeelen“ in 1987, which won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This achievement marked him as the first Black African filmmaker to receive this honor. The film was also nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 1989 Spirit Awards.
Throughout his 50-year career, Cissé received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Carrosse d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. His work has been influential in promoting African narratives in cinema.
His death was confirmed by François Margolin, a close friend and French film producer. Cissé’s contributions to film and his advocacy for African cinema have left a lasting impact.
For more details, visit the New York Times.