Malian film director Souleymane Cissé, one of the pioneers of African cinema, has died aged 84. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed his death at a clinic in the capital Bamako, expressing shock and mourning "the loss of a man who dedicated his life to film and art". The cause of his death has not been announced.

Trailblazer of African cinema was the winner of the jury’s prize at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival for his film, Yeelen.

He won multiple awards during his 50-year career, including the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and spent his life championing African cinema.

Celebrated Malian director Souleymane Cissé, who was the first sub-Saharan African director to win a major award at Cannes with 1987 Jury Prize winner Yeelen (Brightness), has died at the age of 84. Active right up until his death,

Malian film director Souleymane Cissé, one of the pioneers of African cinema, has died aged 84. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed his death at clinic in the capital Bamako, expressing shock and mourning "the loss of a man who dedicated his life to film and art".