Souleymane Cissé, Legendary Malian Director, Passes Away at 84 in Bamako, Leaving an Irreplaceable Legacy in African Cinema
Bamako, Mali – Souleymane Cissé, one of the most influential figures in African cinema, passed away on February 20, 2025, at the age of 84 in his hometown of Bamako.
The renowned filmmaker, known for his deeply humanistic storytelling and groundbreaking contributions to world cinema, was surrounded by family at the time of his death. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, "Papa died today in Bamako. We are all in shock. He dedicated all his life to his country, to cinema and to art."
Cissé’s pioneering work, especially his 1987 masterpiece Yeelen (The Light), earned him international acclaim. The film, which explored Bambara culture and mythology, earned him the prestigious Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, making him the first Black African filmmaker to win such an honor. His influence extended far beyond cinema, inspiring generations of filmmakers across the globe.
In recent months, Cissé had remained active in the film community, even attending events like the 29th edition of FESPACO. His final work was set to be as the president of the FESPACO jury in Ouagadougou.
The world of cinema mourns the loss of a visionary whose work will continue to shine bright, much like the light he captured so beautifully on screen.