The short film ‘Roba’ by Naina Ravahitrarivo has won the Best Fiction Film award at the International Mental Well-being Festival in Benin. This is a first award for the director, who addresses online harassment and resilience.
This recognition transcends Malagasy borders. For Naina Ravahitrarivo, this Best Fiction Film award testifies to the impact of his work on the jury. ‘I am happy to have received this award. It means that the film left a mark on the jury and had a certain impact. That is what matters most to me,’ he confides. By highlighting works dedicated to mental well-being, self-transcendence, and themes related to psychological health, the festival also serves as an international showcase for filmmakers and creators. The selection of ‘Roba’ has thus allowed the director to introduce his work to a new audience.
Produced at the beginning of 2025, ‘Roba’ explores the consequences of online harassment while emphasizing the victims’ ability to recover. Through this fiction, the director wishes to convey a message of hope and remind viewers that it is always possible to make a fresh start, even after difficult times.
The film’s production was nevertheless marked by several constraints. Night shoots notably faced difficulties related to neighbors and the risk of power cuts. These unforeseen events forced the team to extend the shoot by an extra night. Despite these obstacles, ‘Roba’ has continued its journey through several film events. The short film was notably presented at the first edition of the Madagascar Film Festival, the 20th edition of Madagascourt, the Brazilian festival Encontro de Cinema Negro Zózimo Bulbul, as well as the 11th edition of Lagunimages, before being selected in Benin.
A screenwriter since 2018, Naina Ravahitrarivo had to interrupt his activities for a few years due to the lack of local infrastructure. He returned to cinema in 2023 thanks to the T-movie association, directing a first school film, before joining the production company Art’π Madagascar at the beginning of 2024. He has notably contributed to writing animated series for youth, including ‘À la recherche du légume Star’ and ‘Fara’. In 2025, ‘Roba’ marks his official debut in directing short films.
His narratives are rooted in conflicts observed in real life, with particular attention paid to possible solutions. This approach is based on a question that guides his work: ‘Does cinema really make a positive difference in the world?’ In his eyes, cinema should not only tell stories but also contribute to changing perceptions and opening up perspectives for change.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-15 06:09:25 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/festival-du-bien-etre-mental-roba.html