Ousmane Sembene

Ousmane Sembène (Ziguinchor, January 1, 1923 - Dakar, June 9, 2007) was a Senegalese actor, director, writer, screenwriter and political activist. He is considered one of the most important African authors of the 20th century and "the father of African cinema." Among the common themes in his filmography are the history of colonialism, the failures of religion, the critique of the new African political class, and the strength of African women.