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.

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,