they felt that it was true and that everyone should have to experience it. The themes of the film, "The Garbage Boys" is in accordance with Sissoko's personal views in terms of promoting diversity and understanding. In an interview at the Festival au Desert as the Minister of Culture he states: I believe my most important task is safeguarding the cohesion between the various ethnic groups in Mali. One of the available instruments is subsidising festivals like this one... The differences date from many centuries ago. We must welcome those differences and show respect for one another. We do that rather well because the people of Mali are extremely hospitable and socially oriented. The festivals have an important meeting function, and work very well. In 1999, Sissoko was honoured with a Prince Claus Award from the Prince Claus Fund, an international culture and development organisation based in Amsterdam. Filmography L'Ecole malienne (1982) Les Audiothèques rurales (1983) Sécheresse et exode rural (1984) Nyamanton, la leçon des ordures (1986) Finzan (1990) Etre jeune à Bamako (1992) L'Afrique bouge (1992) Problématique de la malnutrition (1993) Guimba, un tyrant, une époque (English: Guimba the Tyrant) (1995) La Genèse (1999) Battù (2000) References External links Curry, Ginette. Awakening African Women: The Dynamics of Change. Cambridge Scholars Press, London. January 4, 2004. . 1945 births Living people Malian film directors Government ministers of Mali African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence politicians People from Ségou Region Malian expatriates in France 21st-century Malian people