Where Zebus Speak French

Filmstill Where Zebus Speak French

Where Zebus Speak French

Sitabaomba
Nantenaina Lova
International Competition Documentary Film
Documentary Film
France,
Madagascar,
Germany,
Burkina Faso
2023
103 minutes
Malagasy,
French
Subtitles: 
English
World premiere

Does farmer Ly have dealings with the Chinese, who have recently been tampering with the infrastructure of the village of Sitabaomba, not far from the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo, director Nantenaina Lova asks as bluntly as mischievously. Ly denies it. However, it becomes increasingly clear in the course of “Where Zebus Speak French” that the various development measures, often introduced by foreign initiatives and fuelled by corrupted politicians, also affect him.

Focussing on Sitabaomba, Lova shows over several years how the village population attempt to defend their farmland. Their fight is reminiscent of David against Goliath but doesn’t lead to despondence. Because in Madagascar, a very unique form of artistic, especially linguistic expression has always been cultivated which, at its best, allows people to maintain an inner independence. The commentary is therefore spoken in the style of “Kabary.” This polite, rhetorically sophisticated and sometimes mocking form of speech elegantly circumvents criticism, thus stating it all the more clearly. An artist also visits the village repeatedly and makes stones speak with the children, confirming an attitude Nantenaina Lova describes as follows: “Laughing at injustice rather than crying, resisting rather than pitying.”


Carolin Weidner

Trailer DOK Leipzig Logo

Screenings & Tickets DOK Leipzig Logo

11.10.
#314
CineStar 2
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
11.10.2023
CineStar 2
#314
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
Calendar
13.10.
#521
CineStar 4
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
13.10.2023
CineStar 4
#521
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
Calendar
14.10.
#613
CineStar 2
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
14.10.2023
CineStar 2
#613
Where Zebus Speak French
During Checkout you can apply discounts, your accreditation or season passes
Calendar

Credits DOK Leipzig Logo

Director
Nantenaina Lova
Script
Nantenaina Lova, Eva Lova-Bély
Cinematographer
Nantenaina Lova, Nantenaina Fifaliana
Editor
Nantenaina Lova, Emmanuel Roy
Producer
Eva Lova-Bély, Candy Radifera
Co-Producer
Nicole Gehards, Nina Fernandez, Michel Zongo
Sound
Jonathan Narlysh Rafidiarison, Nantenaina Fifaliana
Sound Design
Julien Verstraete
Score
Various Malagasy Music Bands
Animation
Herizo Ramilijaonina

Contact DOK Leipzig Logo

Main Contact
Eva Lova-Bély
eva@papangfilms.com
Nominated for Prize of the Interreligious Jury, FIPRESCI Prize, Leipziger Ring, Silver Dove
Winner of Leipziger Ring