Souleymane Cissé: Renowned Malian Filmmaker Passes Away at Age 84

Souleymane Cissé, a monumental figure in African filmmaking, has died in Bamako, Mali, at the age of 84. Known for groundbreaking works, his passing leaves a significant gap in the film industry.

Souleymane Cissé, the iconic Malian filmmaker acclaimed for his cultural storytelling and artistic vision, has passed away at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali. His death was confirmed by close friend and French producer François Margolin, who reported that Cissé had just attended a press conference earlier the same day to present awards at the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Fespaco, where he was slated to lead the jury.

Cissé became a household name in cinema following the release of his 1987 film "Yeelen" (meaning "Light" in his native Bambara), which not only won him the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival but also received international recognition and nominations, including for Best Foreign Film at the 1989 Spirit Awards. Esteemed filmmaker Martin Scorsese praised "Yeelen" as "one of the great revelatory experiences of my moviegoing life."

Mr. Margolin shared that Cissé remained vibrant and engaged in his work until his passing, continuing to travel and promote African cinema globally. He was known for his dedication to uplifting and representing African narratives in film, making a lasting impact throughout his 50-year career. With his contributions to the industry, Cissé's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.