Bamako, Mali –
The African film community is in mourning following the death of legendary Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, who passed away at the age of 84, as announced by Malian television on Wednesday. Cissé, a pioneering figure in African cinema, leaves behind a legacy that spans over five decades. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Just before his passing, Cissé had participated in a press conference to promote the upcoming 29th edition of FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou) in Burkina Faso, highlighting his continued dedication to the continent’s cinematic arts. 
Cissé broke barriers as the first Black African filmmaker to receive a feature film prize at the Cannes Film Festival, securing the Jury Prize in 1987 for his acclaimed film “Yeelen” (“The Light”). In 2023, he was honored with the Carrosse d’or for “Finye” (“The Wind”), solidifying his status as a cinematic visionary.
A two-time winner of the prestigious Étalon d’or de Yennenga at FESPACO, Cissé’s work resonated deeply within Africa and around the world. Born in Bamako, he pursued film studies in Mali, Senegal, and Moscow, later becoming President of the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisuals of West Africa.
Tributes have poured in, emphasizing Cissé’s commitment to African storytelling, his profound humanism, and his engagement with socio-political issues. His daughter, Mariam Cisse, shared that he dedicated his life to Mali, cinema, and art.
Souleymane Cissé’s passing marks the end of an era for African cinema, but his influence will continue to inspire filmmakers and storytellers across the continent for generations to come.
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