Happy 80th Birthday, Soulemane Cissé! Born today in 1940, this Malian screenwriter, producer and film director is known in Africa for his documentary and feature films. He is considered one of the major African filmmakers of the late 20th century.
Among his credits, Cissé is best known for writing, producing and directing the 1987 Malian fantasy/drama film 'Yeelen' (Bambara for "brightness"/"light").
Set in the 13th century, Niankoro, le fits (Issiaka Kane) is born to the shaman Soma le pere, Djigui the twin (Niamanto Sanogo), who fears his offspring's magical powers.
Afterwards, Niankoro flees with his mother Mah, la mere (Soumba Traore) and masters his skills while staying ahead of his father's attempts to track him down.
Setting off on a journey to ask his uncle, Bofing, l'uncle (Ismaila Sarr), for advice, Niankoro uses his abilities to help tribal king Rouma Boll, le roi Puel (Balla Moussa Keita) defeat a neighboring tribe, thereby earning the king's friendship.
'Yeelen' was later met with wide critical success, and was awarded the Jury Prize at the 40th Cannes Film Festival in May of that same year. It was also nominated for the Golden Palm award.
Cissé was also the first African to win a major award at the 48th Cannes Film Festival in May 1995. This was for his 1995 Malian drama/political drama film 'Waati', for which he also wrote and directed.
Cissé's productions retain their perennial appeal at film festivals, and reviewers never tire of expressing approval and providing further insight into the meaning and implications of his works.
Cissé is currently the president of UCECAO, or the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts of Western Africa.
Cissé has been active from 1973–present.
Cissé has been active from 1973–present.
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