The legendary director of “Yeelen” was celebrated at the Sunu Reew Medical Mission before his passing, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in African cinema.
Souleymane Cissé, Pioneering Malian Filmmaker, Passes Away Days After Being Honored in The Gambia
BY Fareedat Taofeeq
February 19, 2025
7:57 pm
Malian filmmaker and African cinema icon, Souleymane Cissé, has passed away at the age of 84.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, marking the end of an era for African cinema. Cissé, known for his groundbreaking work in storytelling and his unwavering dedication to African narratives, had just been honored days before his passing at the Sunu Reew Medical Mission in The Gambia.
On February 15, 2025, Cissé was celebrated during the Arts and Culture Night at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, where he received an award from the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia. The event, held in collaboration with the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), was a moment of joy and recognition for the legendary filmmaker.
Victoria Lissong Richards-Ohwotu, founding director and president of the Sunu Reew Medical Mission, who was closely involved in the event, described the moment as deeply emotional. “We celebrated him. He was so full of love and gratitude. He cried, he hugged everyone. Everyone loved Souleymane. He kept asking if Chike [Nwoffiah] was coming. He was really looking forward to seeing him,” she said.
Born in 1940 in Bamako, Mali, Cissé rose to prominence with films that challenged societal norms and championed African narratives. His most acclaimed work, “Yeelen” (1987), won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and remains one of the most celebrated African films of all time. His other films, including “Baara” (1978), “Finye” (1982), and “Waati” (1995), tackled themes of political oppression, youth rebellion, and Africa’s colonial past.
Cissé was a staunch advocate for African filmmakers telling their own stories without Western influence. He often spoke about the need for African cinema to stand on its own terms and not conform to external expectations.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the African film industry, with many struggling to process the loss. Victoria, who had been by his side during the event, said, “It doesn’t feel real. He gave me a dress as a gift when he came to The Gambia. He was full of life, and now he’s gone.”
Cissé was buried on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, according to Islamic rites. Funeral arrangements and further tributes from the film community are expected to follow.