The second edition of the Madagascar Film Festival – ISSM Awards concluded at Havoria Anosy, with awards presented to directors and creators who stood out in five categories.
Malagasy cinema celebrated its talents. After several days of screenings, exchanges, and discovery of industry professionals, the second edition of the Madagascar Film Festival ISSM Awards announced its winners on Sunday at Havoria Anosy. The closing ceremony was marked by the presentation of trophies and recognition to the distinguished works.
Five categories were in competition: animation, short fiction, feature fiction, short documentary, and feature documentary. To determine the winners, the jury considered the essence of cinema, including creativity, cultural dimension, image quality, and mastery of cinematic techniques. The goal was to highlight works that go beyond simple image production and demonstrate genuine creative and cinematic effort.
In the animation category, “Fara” by Louisette Ratsivahiny took first prize, while “Omby” by Kuro Mi received a special jury mention. In short fiction, “The Encounter” by Herizo Bashy took first place, ahead of “Décision to Live” by Stacy Raolison, which received a jury distinction. For feature fiction, the first prize went to “Mandrakizay Doria” by Franco Clerc, while “Ra-Nenitoa” by Tovomanana Rabarison received a special mention.
In the documentary categories, “Harmony” by Aina Rasamoelina won the short documentary category, with “Manjono Fiainana” by Faneva Rabetsimamang receiving a special mention. In feature documentary, “Viavy” by Gilde Zafitsihadinoina won the first prize, and “Sampy” by Zo Hery Rafanomezantsoa received a special jury mention.
Content creation was also rewarded. Éclat Studio Visuel won the first prize, ChriSteph Twins received a special jury mention, while AndrYmage and Lucas Rabenantoandro received special commendations.
For Zafindrazana Ralaiaridimby Edwella, Director General of ISSM, the festival is more than just a competition; it is a space for valuing talent and professionalizing Malagasy cinema. “It is important to value technical and creative skills to allow Malagasy cinema actors to evolve toward a more professional framework and open up further to the international stage,” she emphasized.
The program went beyond simple screenings. The public was able to discover behind-the-scenes footage, the various stages of creation, and cultural practices such as “ody gasy.” For the Director General, this diversity also helps bring creators closer to the public and better publicize the various professions in cinema.
The closing ceremony also honored production houses through signing sessions bringing together industry players. Distinctions from the Order of Arts, Letters, and Culture were also awarded. Another highlight of this second edition was the “Actors’ Evening,” organized at the Radisson Blu, which brought together directors, actors, and professionals of Malagasy cinema to discuss experiences, realities, and challenges faced by the sector.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-25 05:53:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/cinema-le-madagascar-film-festival.html