Ankadidisa village, Madagascar – Recent (Exact Date Unknown)
1. Various of young men playing “Savika”, meaning holding onto Zebu’s bump, spectators
2. Zebu wrestler Henri (in red shirt) walking out of pit
3. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, with interpretation in English) Henri (no family name given), zebu wrestler (starting with shot 2):
“Being in the ring makes me feel strong, and it makes me feel good and self-confident. And above all, when there are many girls around, it makes me feel proud.”
4. Pit
5. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, with interpretation in English) Henri (no family name given), zebu wrestler (starting with shot 4 and overlaid with shot 6):
“I am no longer afraid when I go to fight the Zebu, If I were afraid, I wouldn't do it. My ancestors have practiced Savika for generations, it's part of our culture.”
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6. Henri playing “Savika”
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7. Spectators
8. Men walking Zebu out of pit
9. Spectators
10. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, with interpretation in English) Sana, local (starting with shot 9):
"I really love it, because the guys make me fall in love, their skills really impress me. I also love the atmosphere because I like cheering along with everyone."
11. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, with interpretation in English) Noella (no family name given) (overlaid
with shots 12-13):
“I like Savika because it’s an occasion to look at the strong courageous men, I love Andry, the guy in the red shirt and blue shorts, because he's very good at Savika.”
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12. Spectators
13. Men playing Savika
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14. Zebu
15. Spectators

Unique tradition of 'Savika', meaning holding onto the Zebu's hump, continues to live on in the Ankadidisa village in the highlands of south-central Madagascar.

Most of the people here live on less than two dollars a day. But it's a region rich in culture with the Zebu cattle playing a central role.

And it's one of the ways the community shows off their skills - and their deep reverence for the Zebu. The men who dare to dance with the Zebu are considered heroes. Most of them have been taking part in Savikas since the age of 14.

26-year-old Henri has learned much since then.

"I am no longer afraid when I go to fight the Zebu. If I were afraid, I wouldn't do it. My ancestors have practiced Savika for generations, it's part of our culture," he said.

A Savika is not an everyday occurrence. It unifies the community, and could potentially allow romance to bloom too.

"Being in the ring makes me feel strong, and it makes me feel good and self-confident. And above all, when there are many girls around, it makes me feel proud," said Henri.

The ceremony also serves as key hunting ground for young women looking for a potential husband.

"I really love it, because the guys make me fall in love, their skills really impress me. I also love the atmosphere because I like cheering along with everyone," said Sana.

"I like Savika because it’s an occasion to look at the strong courageous men, I love Andry, the guy in the red shirt and blue shorts, because he's very good at Savika," said Noella.