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Ousmane Sembene (1923–2007)

The first film director from an African country to achieve international recognition, Ousmane Sembene remains the major figure in the rise of an independent post-colonial African cinema. Sembene's roots were not, as might be expected, in the educated élite. After working as a mechanic and bricklayer, he joined the Free French forces in 1942, ... See full bio »

Died:

(age 84) in Dakar, Senegal
3 photos | 152 news articles »

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Related News

Arik Reviews Ousmane Sembène’s Black Girl [Criterion Collection Blu-ray review]
| CriterionCast
Sundance Film Review: ‘The Wound’
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Blu-ray Review: Criterion Enshrines Ousmane Sembène's Black Girl
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22 wins & 10 nominations. See more awards »

Known For

La noire de...
La noire de... Director
(1966)
Moolaadé
Moolaadé Director
(2004)
Xala
Xala Director
(1975)
Camp de Thiaroye
Camp de Thiaroye Director
(1988)
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Filmography

Hide Hide Show Show Director (13 credits)
 2004 Moolaadé
 2001 Faat Kiné
 1992 Guelwaar
 1977 Ceddo
 1975 Xala
 1971 Emitaï
 1970 Tauw (Short)
 1968 Mandabi
 1964 Niaye (Short)
 1963 L'empire sonhrai (Documentary short)
 1963 Borom sarret (Short)
Show Show Writer (10 credits)
Show Show Producer (3 credits)
Show Show Actor (2 credits)
Show Show Self (5 credits)
Show Show Archive footage (3 credits)
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Personal Details

Other Works:

Novel: "Xala" (filmed as Xala (1975)) See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Interview | 4 Articles | See more »

Alternate Names:

Ousmane Sembène
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Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

L'Afrique ne se développera pas sans la participation concrète de la femme. La conception que nos pères avaient de la femme doit être enterrée une fois pour toutes. [The development of Africa will not happen without the effective participation of women. Our forefathers' image of women must be buried once for all.] See more »

Trivia:

Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1983. See more »

Star Sign:

Capricorn

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