Literature: the Zafimaniry art in 3 languages

Published in 3 languages, including English, French and Malagasy, the book entitled “Zahay Zafimaniry, Nous,  Zafimaniry, We, Zafimaniry” is the result of a writing workshop led by Sophie Bazin and Johary Ravaloson in Antoetra, in the Zafimaniry region, with children and sculptors. The couple has the ambition to contribute to the preservation of the Zafimaniry culture by raising the awareness of the population through the transcription of the senses and values of the Zafimaniry culture, and by offering visitors a memory that saves the forest.

The Zafimaniry region lies between Ambositra and Fianarantsoa, in the southern highlands of Madagascar, having an altitude of more than 1000 meters. The texts of this book get encrusted in the readers’ eyes, while its images invade them gently. Both the texts and images make the readers travel and dream. After the first presentation of the book at the Cultural Centre Albert Camus, the authors will have a literary debate with Andry Solofo Andriamiariseta, a scholar and poet, and they will present the film entitled “Ecrire en Pays Zafimaniry” (Writing in the Zafimaniry region).

Awarded in August 2009 with the prize “Regard Poétique” (lyrical look) at the Ouessant island’s book fair for his intimate Zafimaniry travel book, Johary Ravaloson publishes short stories and novels, but also, recently, texts for youth. The author defines himself as an unrestricted author and uses his talents in many directions. Thus, Johary Ravaloson is a recognized novelist, playwright, filmmaker, plastic artist, travel writer, editor and also a confirmed lawyer.