Documentary filmmaking has become a powerful medium for storytelling and preserving the memory of territories. With “Makay Madagascar,” director Bernard Forgeau turns his lens toward the Makay massif in southwestern Madagascar, creating a work that blends biodiversity discovery, scientific exploration, and immersion into the lives of local communities. The film will be screened on November 3rd at the Institut français de Madagascar (IFM) in Analakely.
Beyond the stunning landscapes and ecological richness of the massif, the documentary offers an approach that prioritizes the local population and their environment. It follows a multi-year scientific mission conducted by a multidisciplinary team, including ethno-ecologists, anthropologists, sociologists, and economists. Participatory surveys, village meetings, ecological observations, and botanical collections form the foundation of the cinematic narrative.
The film explores various realities of local life: access to water, zebu theft, agricultural practices, the role of women, ancestral beliefs, and the transmission of knowledge. By intersecting testimonies with scientific observations, Bernard Forgeau showcases a heritage that encompasses not only the landscape but also the practices and wisdom of the communities.
Director Bernard Forgeau, who has lived in Madagascar since 1988, brings over 38 years of experience in scientific exploration, biodiversity conservation, and audiovisual production. As a specialist in the Makay massif, he bridges the gap between researchers, institutions, and local communities. “For over 38 years in Madagascar, I have been developing projects that combine scientific exploration, biodiversity conservation, participatory research, and audiovisual production,” he explains.
Ultimately, the documentary goes beyond presenting an exceptional natural space; it questions the relationship between humans and their environment, as well as the conditions for sustainable preservation that respects the rights and aspirations of local populations. “Makay Madagascar” transforms cinema into a tool for discovery, knowledge transmission, and the promotion of Malagasy natural and cultural heritage.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-31 06:24:12 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/makay-madagascar-un-voyage.html