Samba Gadjigo

Samba Gadjigo is the Helen Day Gould Professor of French at Mount Holyoke College. He is affiliated with the Departments of French and Film, Media, and Theater. His work bridges African literature, film, history, and politics, with a focus on French-speaking Africa and African cinema. He co-directed the documentary Sembene! (2015), which explores the life of filmmaker Ousmane Sembene.

• Ph.D., University of Illinois
• M.A., Université de Dakar, Senegal
• B.A., Université de Dakar, Senegal

Gadjigo’s research examines postcolonial African narratives, particularly through the lens of Sembene’s work. He advocates for decolonizing African cinema in a globalized context, as highlighted in his article in the African Journal on 'Trends in African Cinema.'

Scientific Awards

• Faculty Award for Scholarship (2016)
• Camera d’Or Finalist (2015 Cannes Film Festival)
• Jury Prize at the 2016 Luxor Film Festival
• Prix de la Jeuness at the 2017 Escales Documentaires de Libreville
• Paul Robeson Prize at the 2016 Newark Black Film Festival
• Best Documentary at the Emerge Film Festival