Prominent African filmmaker Suleiman Cissé is among the distinguished participants at the 17th International Documentary Film Festival of Iran, 'Cinema Verité.'

Born in 1940 in Bamako, Mali, Cissé's cinematic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Completing his secondary education in Dakar, he pursued higher studies at Moscow's VGIK University.

Upon returning from Moscow, Cissé delved into news photography before making history in 1975 with "Den Muso" (The Young Girl), Mali's first feature-length narrative film. Despite the immediate confiscation of the film by the government, Cissé's resilience and pioneering spirit endured.

Today, he stands as a beacon of African cinema, earning the prestigious title of Africa's foremost living filmmaker.

Undaunted by challenges, Suleiman Cissé assumed a pivotal role as the founder and president of UCECAO, the Union of Creators and Entrepreneurs of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts of Western Africa, cementing his commitment to the growth and prosperity of Africa's cinematic heritage.

Cissé's impact transcends Mali's borders, actively contributing to the development of Africa's film industry. As a key figure in the continent's cinematic landscape, Cissé is poised to share his wealth of experience and insights during a special session at the festival.

The 17th edition of Iran International Documentary Film Festival Cinema Verité, curated by Mohammad Hamidi Moghadam, will be held from December 18 to 23, 2023, at Tehran's Charsou Complex.