Cinema of Madagascar

The Cinema of Madagascar refers to the film industry in Madagascar.

Former cinemas in Antananarivo

The most notable director is Raymond Rajaonarivelo, director of movies such as Quand Les Etoiles Rencontrent La Mer (When the Stars Meet the Sea) and Tabataba (The Spreading of Rumors).[1]

The oldest cinematographic production entirely produced in Madagascar by a Malagasy is a 22 minutes black and white movie entitled Rasalama Martiora (Rasalama, the Martyr). Directed in 1937 by the deacon Philippe Raberojo, it marked the centenary of the death of the Protestant martyr Rafaravavy Rasalama. Philippe Raberojo was the president of an association of French citizens of Malagasy origin, where he had access to a 9,5mm camera. Thus he was able to realise his film. The complete version is lost.[2]

In the following years Madagascar was crisis-shaken by several political overthrows. In 1960 Madagascar regained its independence, but still suffers from political instability. This complicated post-colonial period not only led to the closure or transformation of the country's cinemas into places of religious worship. Also almost the whole film industry was razed to the ground. Till today still there is no public cinema in Madagascar.

The film industry started to recover slowly around the year 2006 also due to the founding of Rencontres du Film Court Madagascar (RFC). Till today the RFC is Madagascar's only Film Festival.

Most Malagasy productions receive no public funding; nevertheless, around 60 short films and 1 or 2 feature films are made each year.[2]

In the Malagasy language, the word “cinema” is translated “Sarimihetsika” which literally means “moving image”.[2]