From the 1970s up until 1992, chlordecone, a chlorinated organic compound, was used as an insecticide in Caribbean banana plantations to drive out weevils. Today, 25% of farm land in Martinique is contaminated for a period of 60 to 700 years. The use of this carcinogenic compound is a powerful reminder of the heritage of colonial violence.
Rimèd razzié which means remedies of the hedgerows, is reminiscent of the age of colonialism when slaves developed their own culture of plant-based medicine on the fringes and hidden from the masters house. Today Rimèd razzié makes up the lions share of contemporary medicine in Martinique. The film, which is still work in progress, will explore this intangible heritage through restorative practices using plants in the context of the invisible yet durable contamination of farm land.
The director and fine artist Florence Lazar, Françoise Vergès, the theorist, writer and militant from La Réunion, Dean Inkster, the historian and art theorist will meet to discuss the images of the film off camera. They will share readings , poetry and knowledge.
THE OFF CAMERA WORKSHOP is brought to you by the partnership with the channel ARTE and the FID to discuss writing in La Lucarne.
