By Amílcar Tavares* Almost one fifth of Cape Verde’s population would fit in the stands of The Calabash, the 95,000-capacity stadium where the Blue Sharks will today play their first ever Africa Cup of Nations match. Being recognised as one of the 16 best African national teams is a milestone in the country’s sports history, and […]
‘O Grande Kilapy’ (“The Great Kilapy” — ‘kilapy’ is Kimbundu for ‘scheme’, or ‘fraud’), the new film by director Zézé Gamboa, portrays the last decade of Portuguese rule in Angola through the story of Joao Fraga (played by Lazaro Ramos): The film’s facebook page has some clips. Also check this production video for the images […]
Today is the 51st anniversary of Malagasi independence. Things could have been better for its citizens. What with being governed by a former radio DJ and its army and with threats that Western governments and aid agencies will withdraw financial support. Anyway, we’re celebrating. For the sake of the Malagasy people. This is also the […]
An unidentified man makes bricks in one of the photographs from photojournalist Ed Kashi‘s photo-essay “Madagascar” The series “… delves into environmental concerns, documenting the delicate balance between economic development and ecological preservation in the lush island nation.” The photographs are on display at the WFC Courtyard Gallery in Lower Manhattan till May 14. * […]
French filmmaker, Bastien Dubois‘ short animated film “Madagascar, a Journey Diary (Carnet de Voyage)” is nominated for an Oscar at this Sunday’s Academy Award ceremony. The film is about Dubois’ experience witnessing a Famadihana, or “the turning of the dead people” ceremony in Madagascar. Amazingly, the film explores this event without necessarily exoticizing it – a tough feat […]
Examine the 21st century’s land deals in African countries, and it’s mostly a collection of unequal “agreements” struck with wealthy nations and companies, busy securing land on which food will be produced. The International Institute for Environment and Development’s Lorenzo Cotula’s article “Land deals in Africa: What is in the contracts?” provides a rare glimpse […]
Allison Swank If you thought that a children’s film could escape the exaggerated eye roll of this cultural critic, then think again. I found the 2005 animated film Madagascar, to be as problematic as any live action adult flick – if not more – so simply for the fact that it’s promoting a “West and the […]
