Where the Struggle Blooms, Martin Josserand

In the dusty alleyways and vanilla fields of Madagascar, a silent struggle unfolds. A daily fight marked by sweat and perseverance, where hope continues to grow despite adversity. Where the Struggles Bloom is a photo and video documentary that delves into the heart of Madagascar’s vanilla industry, shedding light on the workers who, despite their essential role in a thriving global market, still struggle to live with dignity.

This project explores the contrast between the fragile beauty of vanilla and the harsh reality faced by those who cultivate it. Like street fighters, these workers engage in a relentless battle—against the elements, against exploitation, and against a global economy that profits from their labor without fairly rewarding it.

Through raw and honest imagery, the faces, gestures, and scars of these workers are revealed. Their stories intertwine with those of underground fighters—warriors of the shadows who, in makeshift arenas, fight to exist and be heard. Because beyond physical combat, it is a fight for recognition, a declaration of identity in a world that often looks without truly seeing.

Where the Struggles Bloom is a visual outcry, a powerful testimony that resists silence and honors resilience. Where the struggle is constant, hope still finds a way to bloom.