Rencontres du Film Court Madagasikara

Rencontres du Film Court Madagasikara is Madagascar’s only film festival, held every year in Antananarivo. Over nine days, it brings together filmmakers and audiences to enjoy free screenings, workshops, and competitions for fiction, documentary, and animation shorts.

• Only film festival in Madagascar
• Nine days of free film screenings and workshops
• Zebu d'Or awards for fiction, documentary, and animation
• Main venue: Institut Français de Madagascar in Antananarivo
• RFC On Tour brings films to other regions

What it is

Rencontres du Film Court Madagasikara is the central event for film lovers in Madagascar, spotlighting short films from the country and across Africa. The festival acts as a gathering place for both creators and the public, offering not just a chance to watch films but also to learn about filmmaking. With its competitions and wide-ranging screenings, it provides a rare platform for Malagasy voices and stories. The event is a celebration of cinema’s potential to connect people, encourage local talent, and foster a growing community around film in a country where dedicated cinemas are scarce.

Where it comes from

This festival began in 2006, brought to life by Malagasy filmmaker Laza Razanajatovo. Its creation responded to the need for a space where local film could be seen and discussed. Over the years, it has expanded its reach, not only staying in Antananarivo but also travelling to other parts of Madagascar through RFC On Tour, which started in 2017. The festival has grown steadily, with audiences increasing from around 12,000 in 2013 to about 25,000 by 2018, making it a key event in Madagascar’s cultural calendar.

How it is celebrated

Across nine days, festival-goers can attend more than thirty screenings, with around 350 short films featured in recent years. The event is known for its open and accessible approach: all screenings are free, encouraging anyone interested to join. The festival’s main home is the Institut Français de Madagascar in Analakely, but films are also shown outdoors and at other local venues in Antananarivo, like the Centre Culturel Malagasy and KUDéTA Urban Club. Alongside the films, the festival offers workshops and meetings, sharing knowledge and skills with aspiring filmmakers. The competitive spirit is highlighted by the Zebu d'Or awards, given to the best films in fiction, documentary, animation, and an audience favorite.

Joining in

Visitors are welcomed at the Institut Français de Madagascar, the festival’s main venue in Antananarivo. The atmosphere is lively and inclusive, with films shown in both indoor and open-air settings. As a guest, you can watch films free of charge, join in discussions, and perhaps attend a workshop or two. The festival is a unique opportunity to experience the creative energy of Madagascar’s film scene and to meet both established and emerging filmmakers from the region.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Rencontres du Film Court Madagasikara, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Rencontres du Film Court Madagasikara on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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