Where Zebus Speak French

Documentary film screening and discussion with director Nantenaina Lova

6.30pm, Monday, April 14th 2025
612 Schermerhorn Extension, Columbia University

Reception afterwards

A powerful film about corruption, dispossession, and the resistance of oral culture amidst the rice fields of highland Madagascar. Written by Nantenaina Lova and Eva Lova-Bely.

Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes

Synopsis

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

Please note that campus access is restricted for those not affiliated with Columbia University. Visitors should register no later than 4pm Friday 11th April to receive a QR code for campus access. Codes will be sent on Friday 11th April after 4pm. Please contact the Center for Archaeology at the address below with any questions.