Souleymane Cissé, Visionary of African Cinema, Dies at 84

The Malian filmmaker, celebrated for his groundbreaking work and advocacy for African cinema, passed away in Bamako on February 19, 2025.

Souleymane Cissé, a pioneering Malian filmmaker and influential figure in African cinema, died at the age of 84 in Bamako, Mali, on February 19, 2025.
Cissé's works, including the acclaimed 'Yeelen,' blended African mythology with cinematic artistry, earning him the Prix du Jury at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.
He was a staunch advocate for African cinema, calling for greater visibility of African films and support for local filmmakers throughout his career.
Cissé was set to preside over the jury for the fiction feature competition at the 29th FESPACO Festival, a major event in African cinema, later this month.
His legacy includes a rich body of work addressing social, political, and cultural themes, inspiring generations of African filmmakers and artists.