Documentary : "The Nomads of the sea"

Introduction:

Our upcoming documentary, "The Nomads of the Sea," will provide a compelling exploration of the lives of the Vezo, the last nomadic inhabitants of Madagascar's southeastern coast. Led by filmmakers Nadia, Mia, and Aurore, our project aims to shine a light on the unique culture, traditions, and challenges faced by this resilient community. The Vezo people, semi-nomadic in nature, embark on journeys lasting several weeks or months in their traditional pirogues to fish. Descendants of Indonesian settlers, they maintain a profound connection to the ocean, which shapes their way of life.

Focus:

"The Nomads of the Sea" will delve into the daily lives of the Vezo people, focusing on their intimate relationship with the ocean and the problems they are facing. From the intricacies of crafting their traditional pirogues to the vibrant celebrations that mark their existence, the film will offer a comprehensive portrayal of Vezo life.

Objectives:

Through our documentary, we seek to raise awareness about the environmental and social issues affecting the Vezo community, especially the situation of young girls, a topic that deeply resonates with us as women. By highlighting the impacts of overfishing, pollution, and other threats to their marine environment, we aim to inspire action and support for sustainable solutions. We believe it's essential for people in the Western world to see and understand different ways of life, particularly one that is closely tied to nature and tradition. By showcasing the challenges faced by the Vezo community, we aim to not only raise awareness but also encourage viewers to reflect on their own impact on the planet and support more sustainable solutions. Additionally, our goal is to capture the poetry of this people, their mutual support, and their zest for life, which inspires us to believe in life and love our magnificent world.

Production Plans:

In June, Nadia, Mia, and Aurore will embark on a journey to immerse themselves in the Vezo culture in the village of Madurano, one of the poorest in the region. It is in this village that we have forged bonds with the inhabitants who have graciously entrusted us and agreed to adopt us for the month of June. Our team will spend weeks living among the community, capturing their stories, traditions, and struggles. We aim to create a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide. We want to create this documentary in collaboration with the people of Madurano, allowing them to co-write the script with us and decide together what they want to show or not. Our goal is to understand as deeply as possible what they want to share with the world.

The Team:

Mia Franzosi - Director

Mia will capture the majestic sight of Vezo fishermen embarking on their daily quest for sustenance and the untold tales of resilience and determination etched into the faces of the fishermen. We will connect with the heart and soul of the Vezo people, witnessing their joys and struggles, the traditions, and aspirations that define this ancient way of life.

Aurore Hurstel - Producer

After spending several months in Madagascar, I fell in love with this country and its inhabitants, particularly the Vezo people. Gradually, I became struck by the contrast between their culture and ours and by what our understanding of theirs can bring to us. I understood the problems they face day after day due to pollution, overfishing, and poverty, so I wanted to help them through a documentary about them.

Nadia Wührnfeldt Hansen - Director

Storytelling is a cherished objective of mine, and as the director of photography and videographer, the aim is to establish a visual style in line with the enchanting surroundings and captivating way of life so greatly entrenched in customs and heritage while at the same time conveying the complexities and challenges posing a threat to this tradition-bound way of living.

The Budget:

Your donations will serve us to purchase equipment, pay the individuals who will assist us during the journey, and support the village of Madurano. After the documentary, there will be a precise breakdown showing where the funds have been allocated. A third party will examine all expenses and where they go. If there is any excess money, it will be sent to the village of Madurano and to the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres who welcomed us for one month.

Conclusion:

"The Nomads of the Sea" promises to be a thought-provoking and visually beautiful documentary that illuminates the resilience and spirit of the Vezo people. Through our collaboration with this remarkable community, we hope to amplify their voices and advocate for a brighter future for generations to come. We thank you for helping us make this project come to life