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Sembène, Ousmane

1923-
Senegalese author and film director

Ousmane Sembène is widely regarded as the father of African CINEMA. Born in SENEGAL, Sembène served in the French army during World War II. He returned to his homeland briefly and took part in a railway strike in 1947-1948. He went back to France and, over the next several years, traveled to Denmark, Russia, China, and Vietnam.

In 1960 Sembène published his best-known novel, God's Bits of Wood. Then he went to Russia and studied filmmaking in Moscow for two years. While continuing to write novels and short stories, he began to direct films. He achieved a commercial success with the 1968 film Mandabi. This was the first of three films that examined the struggles of Senegalese citizens faced with the social problems of their country. Sembène later directed three historical films, including Ceddo (1976), which was banned for years in Senegal because it exposed the role of Islam^* in the West African SLAVE TRADE. His most recent film, Faat-Kine, tells the story of a Senegalese woman and the sacrifices she makes for her family. Sembène's films and novels have challenged authority and dealt with sensitive issues. He has received many awards for his work.