On the night of February 19, 2025, darkness fell over Bamako as a bright star was extinguished, leaving behind a dazzling trail of light. Souleymane Cissé, the master of African cinema, drew his last breath at the age of 84 (May his soul rest in peace). However, his work continues to shine, forever illuminating the world of the seventh art.
Souleymane Cissé was not just a filmmaker; he was a visionary, a poet of images, a storyteller of souls. Born into modest beginnings, he drew the strength of his art from the roots of his native Mali. His gaze, profound and unfathomable, captured the essence of Africa—its mysteries, its pain, and its hope.
He dared to challenge taboos, break silences, and give a voice to those who were unheard. “Den Muso,” his cry of rebellion, was censored but never silenced. He carved his path with courage and determination, raising the banner of free and committed cinema high.
“Baara,” “Finyè,” “Yeelen”… These titles resonate like incantations, like initiatory journeys to the heart of ancestral Africa. With “Yeelen,” he conquered the world, offering Cannes a spectacle of magic and spirituality. Anchored in tradition, his cinema rose to the universal, touching hearts beyond borders.
Souleymane Cissé was honored multiple times with prestigious awards around the world. His legendary film "Yeelen" (1987) captivated the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Jury Prize and showcasing the power of African cinema to the world. His genius was also celebrated at FESPACO, where he received the Étalon de Yennenga—the highest distinction of the Pan-African film festival—on multiple occasions. In 2023, he was awarded the Carrosse d'Or in Cannes, honoring his lifelong dedication to authentic cinema rooted in African realities. Yet, his greatest reward lies in the eyes of those who have been touched by his films.
His work is an ode to African women, to their strength, resilience, and beauty. He filmed bodies and souls with infinite tenderness, revealing their deep connection with nature and the elements. Water, the calabash—symbols of life and fertility—bear witness to this sacred bond.
Though Souleymane Cissé has left us, his legacy is immense. He paved the way for future generations. His cinema is a treasure, a mirror of Africa, a call for justice and light. May his work continue to inspire, move us, and make us dream. For Souleymane Cissé was a magician, an enchanter, a man whose gaze pierced eternity.
Some of us will have the chance to rediscover Souleymane Cissé in the portrait created by his daughter, Fatou Cissé, entitled “A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Father” (2022).
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