The Cinema of Ousmane Sembène: A Pioneer of African Film

Abstract

The films of Ousmane Sembene are powerful representations of the newly emerging black African cinema. In this interpretive study of his most significant films, Francoise Pfaff examines Sembene's pioneering efforts over the last two decades. While focusing primarily on the realistic and symbolic levels of his works, the stylistic and technical aspects are also examined. Pfaff discusses the aesthetic, sociopolitical, and metaphysical values of Sembene's oeuvre within its African context. His depiction of the tension between traditional and modern African life is explored. Pfaff includes film stills and excerpts from interviews with Sembene and other African filmmakers. She concludes with comments about Sembene's contributions to our intercultural heritage.

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