Ousmane Sembène

Generally regarded as the godfather of the African cinema, Ousmane SEMBENE (1923, Ziguinchor, Senegal) started film making in the early 60's after working as a craftsman and trade unionist on the docks of Marseilles. His La Noire de.../Black Girl (1966) was the first feature ever made by an African film maker and won the prestigious Jean Vigo Prize. In his work Sembene offers unromanticised and politically committed views on society, often highlighting the role of women. Sembene is not only a film maker but also a renowned writer.

Filmography

L'Empire sonhrai (1963, short doc.), Niaye (1964, short) Borom Sarret (1963, short), La Noire de.../Black Girl (1966), Mandabi/The Money Order (1968), Taaw (1970, short), Emitaï/God of Thunder (1971), Xala/The Curse (1974), Ceddo/Outsiders (1976), Camp de Thiaroye (1988, co-dir.), Guelwaar (1992), Samori (1994), Faat-Kiné (2000), Moolaadé (2004)