Ousmane Sembène was a prominent Senegalese filmmaker and writer, often referred to as the "father of African cinema." Born on January 1, 1923, in Ziguinchor, Senegal, he initially worked as a fisherman and later became involved in labor activism. Sembène's films, such as Xala and Moolaadé, addressed social issues, colonialism, and the struggles of African identity. In addition to filmmaking, Sembène was an accomplished author, with notable works including God's Bits of Wood. His storytelling often highlighted the lives of ordinary Africans and critiqued societal norms. Sembène's contributions have had a lasting impact on both literature and cinema in Africa.