I think what we need is goodwill because now our struggle is harder because it is an economic struggle. And now Europe is organising itself. So I think there needs to be a rupture between Africa and Europe, and all the international laws being conceived here in the west have to be revisited and changed.
Ousmane SembeneI am really unable to talk about my life - I don't know my life. I've travelled a lot and this is the life that I have lived, but that doesn't mean that I know myself.
Ousmane SembeneThe development of Africa will not happen without the effective participation of women. Our forefathers' image of women must be buried once for all.
Ousmane SembeneIt isn't those who are taken by force, put in chains, and sold as slaves who are the real slaves; it is those who will accept it, morally and physically.
Ousmane SembeneThe only way for us to come out of poverty is to work hard. Poverty means begging throughout the world.
Ousmane SembeneI think cinema is needed throughout Africa, because we are lagging behind in the knowledge of our own history. I think we need to create a culture that is our own. I think that images are very fascinating and very important to that end. But right now, cinema is only in the hands of film-makers because most of our leaders are afraid of cinema.
Ousmane Sembene