Commémoration des 50 ans de la tragédie des comoriens de Majunga (Madagascar)

To mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy of the Comorians of Majunga, Ahamada Smis presents a slam performance and talk, with ethnopsychiatrist Dr Saïd Ibrahim, exploring this painful memory through historical narrative, poetry and testimonies from survivors. The film “Zanatany” by Hachimiya Ahamada will be screened before the talk.

3 pm: Screening of the film “Zanatany” by Hachimiya Ahamada.

Fiction – 29 min

(2024 – The Blue Rain Coat / Aurora Films)

Madagascar. December 1976. A wind of revolt is sweeping through the city of Majunga. Ali, a Comorian widower and father of two young daughters, works in a bookbinding workshop. One morning, he witnesses a neighborhood dispute that quickly turns into a racial conflict and escalates sharply when a strike breaks out in his workshop. For three days, families of Comorian origin were cold-bloodedly killed by some members of the Malagasy population: their own neighbors. As tensions between the communities rise, Ali must protect his daughters.

3:30 pm – Slam performance “SABENA” and discussion.

With Ahamada Smis, author and composer, followed by a discussion with Dr Saïd Ibrahim, ethnopsychiatrist.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy of the Comorians of Majunga, Ahamada Smis presents a slam performance exploring this painful memory through historical narrative, poetry and testimonies from survivors. Through excerpts from his show Sabena, co-produced by Mucem and the Festival de Marseille, the author and composer revisits the historical and geographical context of relations between Madagascar and the Comoros archipelago, shedding light on the origins and significance of this tragedy. Recorded interviews made in Madagascar during his research and writing residency will give voice to people whose stories are essential to passing on this memory.

A moment for dialogue and sharing.

The event will continue with a discussion with Dr Saïd Ibrahim, ethnopsychiatrist and researcher, co-founder of the Maison des Mondes in Marseille and founder of Wuntsi, Institut international d’échanges et de formation ethnoclinique.

This discussion will also be open to the public, including anyone who would like to share a reflection, a memory or a testimony.

Audience age: all ages