"Samba Gadjigo has solved the unfathomable mystery of the writer-cum-filmmaker's life" was the headline of an article in the January 16 issue of Dakar-based daily Sud Quotidien. This was echoed on January 17 by another Dakar-based daily, Wal Fadjri, with "Professor Samba Gadjigo sketches the biography of the premier African filmmaker."

The life and work of Ousmane Sembene, known by many as ‘the father of African cinema,’ formed the topic of Professor Gadjigo’s presentation, which was organized jointly by West African Research Center (WARC) and the Office of Cultural and Scientific Activities (DIACS) of University Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). The event drew 150 people, including students, professors, arts and culture specialists and practitioners, as well as a number of officials, and was covered by print, electronic and radio/TV networks.

The event was opened with remarks by Professor Aminata Diaw Cisse, Director of DIACS/UCAD, who addressed the guest lecturer and the audience in the name of the Rector of University Cheikh Anta Diop and emphasized the excellent spirit of collaboration and cooperation prevailing between UCAD and WARC.

Prior to discussing his recently published book, Professor Gadjigo invited the audience to watch a short film by Sembene himself, L'Héroisme au Quotidien, chronicling the daily struggles of women in Africa to be reckoned with and given a pride of place in their communities. Along with this, he showed his own documentary, The Making of Moolaade, which documents the production of Sembene’s latest film by the same title.

The lecture was the first of a series Professor Gadjigo will be giving to promote his book and was the fulfilment of his pledge to make WARC his very first venue.