Los Angeles Times by Michael Rechtshaffen

A richly crafted documentary that serves as an enlightening tribute to the filmmaker who masterfully tapped into the medium's wide-reaching socio-political potential.

Washington Post

For a filmmaker who believed in giving Africans their own voice, it seems appropriate to offer such an unvarnished portrait.

RogerEbert.com by Matt Zoller Seitz

Sembene! is most illuminating when it is simply showing us clips from the director's features and behind-the-scenes or "making of" footage, with very little in the way of verbal setup, and then letting them play out.

Variety by Guy Lodge

Utilitarian in construction but personally invested, it’s a duly humble career overview that doesn’t risk much individual interpretation of such rich, essential films as “Black Girl,” “Xala” and “Moolaade” — though it should leave viewers eager to make (or regain) their acquaintance.

Village Voice by Alan Scherstuhl

Jason Silverman and Samba Gadjigo's heartfelt doc is rich in footage and access.

The Hollywood Reporter by Todd McCarthy

Academic in its approach but very informative as well as surprising in the degree to which it addresses the man's foibles and ethical shortcomings, the film turns a welcome spotlight on a resourceful and singular artist who was forced to do everything from scratch in the absence of any local industry infrastructure.

Slant Magazine by Clayton Dillard

The film unfolds as a kind, politically soft offering of what lies beneath both Sembène's films and the man himself.

The New York Times by Nicolas Rapold

Mr. Sembène was an inspiration; as a film, Sembène! is something less than that, petering out as it goes on, but at least offering a fair-minded tribute to a master.