> Projects > Albinos
Albino Killings In Tanzania
In Tanzania, albinos are commonly known as “Zeru” in Swahili, which means ghost-like creatures - and is derogatory in nature. Near Lake Victoria, evil acts are driven by the belief that albino body parts possess magical powers. It is believed these body parts will bring wealth if used in potions produced by local witchdoctors. The main goal of this project is to bring about public awareness, to stop the killings and help Tanzanian albinos to have a better life.
Striking black-and-white portraits. - The New York Times
Near Lake Victoria in Tanzania, evil is driven by the belief that albino body parts possess magical powers that will bring wealth if used in potions produced by local witchdoctors. Most “clients” are rich businessmen, eager to get more gold out of their mines, or politicians wishing to be elected to office.
Franck Vogel’s works on the Albinos in Tanzania (2009 and 2011):
- Fine Art Edition (116 pages, limited to 100 copies)
- Book (116 pages)
- Magazine (120 pages)
The book gives the testimony of Bibiana Mashamba Mbushi, 11-year-old albino girl, who survived after three men chopped off one of her legs with a machete. Texts by Stephanie Braquehais and Franck Vogel.
- Je ne suis pas un talisman (I’m Not a Talisman) by Bibiana Mashamba Mbushi (2012, Michel Lafon)
- Winner Parole Photographique Award 2010 chaired by Christian Caujolle
- Finalist Kodak Bourse du Talent Award 2010
- Finalist SCOOP Award 2009
- Life Force magazine - UK (December 2013)
- Bizarre magazine - UK (January 2011)
- Visura magazine - USA (August 2010)
- NRC Weekblad - Netherlands (June 2009)
Albino story presented by Franck Vogel for the Bourse du Talent Award 2010 (English subtitles)
- VISA pour l'IMAGE 2009
- Actuphoto
- VISA pour l'IMAGE 2010 (Perpignan, France) - September 2010
- Pingyao International Photo Festival (China) - September 2010
The New York Times wrote: « ... while Franck Vogel from France showed striking black-and-white portraits of albino people in Tanzania ».
- Rencontres d'Arles (Arles, France) - July 2010
- St Lazare train station (Paris, France) - May to June 2010
- MK2 Bibliothèque (Paris, France) - April 2010
- International SCOOP Festival (Angers, France) - November 2009
