Hélène Diarra
Malian actress
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Maïmouna Hélène Diarra, also Helena Diarra[1] (1955 – June 10, 2021) was a Malian actress[2] known for playing the roles of older women from her young age.[3] She was the CEO of the International Fund for the Development of Active Retirement.[4][5][6][7][8] She also was the Vice President of the Professional Association of Decentralized Financial Systems of Côte d'Ivoire.[9][10]
Maïmouna Hélène Diarra | |
|---|---|
| Born | Maïmouna Hélène Diarra 1955 |
| Died | June 10, 2021 (aged 65–66) Bamako, Mali |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Known for |
|
Early life and education
Diarra was born in 1955 in Segou, Mali[3] but was orphaned at an early age and raised by her uncles and grandmother. In 1975, she was admitted into the National Pedagogical Institute for a Diploma of Fundamental Studies in the teaching profession. Between 1975 and 1977 she played for the Bamako Reds women's basketball team. In 1981, she obtained a diploma in theatre arts at the National Arts Institute.[11]
Career
In 2000, she was featured as "Aminate" in Michael Haneke's drama film, Code Unknown. Other cast include: Aïssa Maïga, Juliette Binoche, Thierry Neuvic, Josef Bierbichler and others.[12]
In 2004, she was featured in Ousmane Sembène's Bambara language film, Moolaadé, playing the role of "Hadjatou".[13][14] Other cast include: Fatoumata Coulibaly and Salimata Traoré. The film was presented at the 2007 Ebertfest.[15] It was nominated for a "Best Film" award at the Cannes Film Festival.[16]
In 2006, she starred in Abderrahmane Sissako's drama film, Bamako, in which she played the role of "Saramba".[17][18] Other cast featured include: Aïssa Maïga and Tiécoura Traoré.[19][20][21]
Death
Diarra died on 10 June 2021 at the CHU Mère-Enfant Le Luxembourg hospital in Bamako and was buried at the Hamdallaye cemetery.[22]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Toiles d'araignées | Actress (Nah) | Drama |
| 2007 | Faro: Goddess of the Waters | Actress (Kouta) | Drama |
| 2006 | Bamako | Actress (Saramba) | Drama |
| 2004 | Moolaadé | Actress (Hadjatou) | Drama |
| 2000 | Code Unknown | Actress (Aminate) | Drama |
| 1999 | Genesis ("La Genèse") | Actress (Lea) | Drama |
| 1997 | Skirt Power ("Taafé Fanga") | Actress (Timbé) | Comedy, Drama |
| 1996 | Macadam tribu | Actress (Macho's wife) | Comedy, Drama |
| 1995 | Guimba the Tyrant | Actress (Meya) | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy |
| 1989 | Finzan | Actress (as Helena Diarra) | Drama |
