The winning photo by Luciano Roussety.
He has always been passionate about photography. Luciano Fils Roussety, 27 years old and originally from Baie-aux-Huîtres, Rodrigues, won first prize in the regional photography competition entitled “Because every voice counts – For an increased role of women and young people in societies”organized by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD). During the awards ceremony at the Alliance Française in Antananarivo in Madagascar, he stood out among candidates from across the region, proudly wearing the colors of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Kendy Mangra, journalist at MBC Mauritius, won second place, followed by Rajaonasy Sanganirina from Madagascar.
An inspiring journey, a passion born in college
Luciano, now a senior cameraman at MBC Rodrigues, discovered photography in college thanks to a godmother who was passionate about painting. He trained hard, joining the artistic group Oyster Art in Rodrigues and taking courses in art and design. It was at this time that he acquired his first camera, a Canon 700D, with which he immortalized coastal landscapes, fishermen and sunsets.
His enthusiasm led him to deepen his knowledge with renowned photographers like Raj Muslaya, Pierre Argot, Paul Choy and Steeve Dubois, while following advanced training in photography in Mauritius. Since then, he has won numerous accolades, including Photographer of the Year in 2019 and international awards, cementing his place among the best in the Indian Ocean.
Luciano receiving his prize.
For this competition, Luciano chose to highlight Sister Naiken, an emblematic figure of Rodrigues, known for her association helping children with educational difficulties and young entrepreneurs. Inspired by the theme of the competition, he wanted to tell the story of these women who, in Rodrigues, are the pillars of society. “This project was much more than just a personal challenge. It was about celebrating the efforts of women and their essential role in our societies”he explained. Luciano worked with attention to detail, making several trips back and forth between Baie-aux-Huîtres and Rivière-Coco to perfect his composition. Supported by a passionate team, including Amélie Legoff, Fabien Étienne and Annabelle Agathe, he carefully planned the lighting and the emotions to convey. This rigor paid off: his photo, rich in history and character, captivated the jury.
A victory celebrated with pride
The awards ceremony in Madagascar was a moment of great pride for Luciano. “It was an honor to represent Rodrigues and Maurice, and to see my photo exhibited among the 30 best works in the region. I felt immense happiness when I received my reward, a camera offered by the IOC and the AFD”he confided. Beyond the trophy, Luciano was marked by meeting and sharing with other photographers from the Indian Ocean, an experience that he describes as “magic”.
Luciano doesn’t plan to stop there. In 2025, his award-winning work will be exhibited in several islands in the region, including Reunion and the Seychelles. He will also participate in film and photography festivals, reinforcing his commitment to narrative and emotional photography. For Luciano, photography is much more than an art: “It’s my way of seeing the world, of telling stories. Each image must capture an emotion and reveal a unique perspective.” His journey illustrates the power of passion and perseverance and his success is a source of inspiration for young talents in Rodrigues, Mauritius and throughout the region.
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