Born Different book explores lives of people with albinism in Africa

A new book and exhibition titled ‘Born Different’ (Narozeni jinak) will explore the diverse lives of people with albinism in Africa. The project combines anthropological research by Kateřina Mildnerová from Palacký University with documentary photography by Mozambican photojournalist Antonio Cossy.

The publication highlights starkly different social realities. In Zambia, research conducted by Mildnerová reveals that individuals with albinism face severe stigmatization, discrimination, and extreme violence, including kidnappings and ritual attacks driven by deep-seated myths. Conversely, in Benin, the Vodun religious tradition leads to people with albinism being respected and associated with the spiritual world.

The book launch and accompanying exhibition are scheduled for September 9 at the Galerie Karolinum in Prague, published by JOTA.