• Director(s):

    Molia (Agnès)

  • Producer(s):

    TOURNEZ S'IL VOUS PLAIT, ARTE FRANCE

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2019

  • Language(s):

    German, English, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, VOD

In Madagascar, from July to September, the inhabitants of the island profit from the dry season to organize a traditional rite: the Famadihana, or the “return of the dead”. This year, Ndriana is exhuming four members of her family. Among them, her father, who died 20 years previously. 

According to local tradition, the Famadihana is an essential part of the ancestral cult and a chance for families to come together for a big celebration that lasts two days. During the ceremony, the bodies are removed from the vault and displayed to the family, the guests, and the population of the village. After having changed the shrouds, the descendants happily carry the exhumed body of the deceased on their shoulders, dancing to express their delight. The Famadihana ritual brings together the living and celebrates the victory of life over death.