In Memoriam Aina: Madagascar Film Fellowship

David Klinges is organizing this fundraiser.

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(Cover video: produced by Herizo RANDRIANANDRASANA)

Hi all,

As you may be aware of, a large part of my research and career has been focused on conservation in Madagascar. Over the past few years of visiting and living in Madagascar, I've gotten to know many amazing people who share a love for wildlife and the environment. Of the diverse and unique Malagasy folks that I have become close with, my dearest friend in Madagascar was Tsitohaina RANDRIAMBOLOLONA, or Aina. I am heartbroken to share that recently, Aina succumbed to a severe bout of cerebral malaria.

Aina was a true jack-of-all-trades, yet still master-of-many. He was simultaneously a PhD student at the University of Antananarivo, an employee of Madagascar National Parks, and pursuing his cinematography film certificate– while still finding the time to join me on our field expeditions to climb trees and catch frogs.

He passed away at the age of 32.

Aina had been my closest friend in Madagascar since my first visit to the Island. He accompanied me on virtually every field expedition I’ve taken (and several others that he led without me to advance our research), and our career plans, ambitions, and dreams were so intertwined. Frankly, I’ve felt pretty lost without him. But I won’t give up on our plans.

There have been many who have been hit very deeply by his loss. There are also many ways that we hope to personally recognize Aina, and cement his legacy. Currently, I am asking for your help to achieve one way of doing so.

In partnership with Madagascar Film & Photography (MFP), a film team and studio focused on communicating stories on Malagasy conservation, wildlife, and livelihoods, we are creating the Randriambololona Memorial Scholarship Award, a student filmmaking fellowship in honor of Aina.

https://www.madagascarfilmandphotography.com/scholarship-program

MFP has recently partnered with Madagascar National Parks– the island's primary steward for wildlands and wildlife conservation– to embark across the nation and create multimedia stories on the incredibly diverse National Parks of Madagascar. In each region of the country, MFP will be supporting 1-2 exceptional students who will partake in the film projects, learning fundamental cinematographic and production skills.

The first $300 of donations will provide support to Aina's family. All further donations will directly support the Randriambololona Memorial Scholarship Award.

Given the far lower cost of living in Madagascar relative to the United States, each dollar of support can really go a long way.

Michel Strogoff of MFP reviews underwater footage.

You can learn more about Madagascar Film & Photography, their past/current projects and achievements, and the Randriambololona Memorial Scholarship Award, here:

https://www.madagascarfilmandphotography.com/scholarship-program