Mohammed Lakhdar Hamina, the first Arab and African director to win the Cannes Palme d'Or, has passed away at the age of 91. The Algerian director made history with his film "Chronicle of the Years of Fire," depicting the struggle for independence in Algeria. His work was celebrated internationally and he leaves a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.

In another loss for the African creative community, Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o also passed away at the age of 91. Thiong'o was famous for his novels that explored post-colonial issues and political satire. His literary contributions have been praised worldwide and have sparked important conversations about African identity and history.

The deaths of these two esteemed figures have left a void in the worlds of film and literature. Both Hamina and Thiong'o will be remembered for their groundbreaking work, which has had a lasting impact on African storytelling. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of artists in Africa and beyond.