The second edition of the Madagascar Film Festival – ISSM Awards concluded at Havoria Anosy with awards presented to filmmakers and creators who stood out across five categories. Malagasy cinema celebrated its talents after several days of screenings, exchanges, and discovery of industry professionals. The closing ceremony on Sunday featured the presentation of trophies and recognition to distinguished works.
Five categories competed: animation, short fiction, feature fiction, short documentary, and feature documentary. The jury evaluated creativity, cultural dimension, image quality, and mastery of cinematographic techniques, seeking works that transcend simple image or information production and demonstrate genuine creative and cinematic work.
In animation, Fara by Louisette Ratsivahiny won first prize, while Omby by Kuro Mi received special jury mention. For short fiction, The Encounter by Herizo Bashy took first place, ahead of Decision to Live by Stacy Raolison, honored by the jury. In feature fiction, Mandrakizay Doria by Franco Clerc won first prize, while Ra-Nenitoa by Tovomanana Rabarison received special mention.
In documentaries, Harmony by Aina Rasamoelina won the short documentary category, with Manjono Fiainana by Faneva Rabetsimamang receiving special mention. For feature documentary, Viavy by Gilde Zafitsihadinoina took first prize and Sampy by Zo Hery Rafanomezantsoa received jury special mention.
Content creation was also rewarded. Éclat Studio Visuel won first prize, ChriSteph Twins received special jury mention, while AndrYmage and Lucas Rabenantoandro received special commendations.
For ISSM Director General Zafindrazana Ralaiaridimby Edwella, the festival transcends competition, serving as a genuine space for talent valorization and professionalization of Malagasy cinema. "It is important to value technical and creative skills to enable Malagasy cinema actors to evolve toward a more professional framework and open further to the international stage," she emphasized.
Programming extended beyond screenings, allowing audiences to discover filming processes, creation stages, and cultural practices such as ody gasy. This diversity brings creators closer to audiences and raises awareness of cinema professions. The closing ceremony honored production companies through signing sessions and presented distinctions of the Order of Arts, Letters and Culture.
The Actors' Evening at the Radisson Blu brought together directors, actors, and Malagasy cinema professionals to discuss experiences, realities, and challenges in the sector.