Ousmane Sembene (1923-2007) was a Senegalese film director, screenwriter, novelist, and poet. He is considered one of the most important figures in African cinema.
Sembene was born in Ziguinchor, Senegal, in 1923. He began his career as a writer, publishing his first novel, "Le Docker Noir" (1956), in French. The novel tells the story of a Senegalese dockworker who is involved in a strike against the French colonial government.
Sembene's first film, "Borom Sarret" (1963), was a short film about a Senegalese cart driver. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival.
Sembene went on to direct a number of other successful films, including "La Noire de..." (1966), "Mandabi" (1968), "Xala" (1975), and "Ceddo" (1977). His films often deal with social and political issues facing Africa, such as colonialism, poverty, and corruption.
Sembene's work has had a profound impact on African cinema. He helped to establish African cinema as a legitimate art form and inspired a new generation of African filmmakers. He also played a key role in the development of the Pan-African film movement, which sought to promote African culture and identity through cinema.
Sembene died in Dakar, Senegal, in 2007. He was 84 years old.
Tribal Scars or the Voltaique
"Tribal Scars or the Voltaique" is a 1969 novel by Ousmane Sembene. The novel tells the story of a young man named Oumar who returns to his home village in Senegal after studying in France. Oumar is shocked to find that his village has been ravaged by poverty and disease. He becomes involved in a political movement that is trying to overthrow the corrupt government.
"Tribal Scars or the Voltaique" is a powerful indictment of colonialism and its devastating effects on Africa. The novel also explores the themes of identity, tradition, and modernity.
The novel was adapted into a film by Sembene in 1971. The film was banned in Senegal for its political content.