a1940: New film by Karen Kramer: reposted

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "kkramer@childrenofshadows.com" <KKramer@childrenofshadows.com>

[Corbett comments:  some list members seem to have had problems with
this post first time, so I am reposting it in the hopes that you
all get a readable copy.  Kramer's films on Haiti have enriched us
all and I wouldn't want anyone to miss knowing of this new one.
Bob Corbett]


We pleased to announce that CHILDREN OF SHADOWS is now complete.

CHILDREN OF SHADOWS is a 54 minute documentary that portrays the restavek
children of Haiti.  The film follows the children as they go through their
daily chores - the
endless cycle of cooking, washing, sweeping, mopping, fetching water, going
to the market, running errands, etc.  In heartbreaking interviews the
children speak openly and
shyly about the lives they are forced to lead.  Their “aunts” (adoptive
caretakers) speak openly and proudly of the vast mountain of work that
“their” restavek does for them.
The camera goes deep into the countryside to interview the peasant families
as to what kind of situation would force them to give away one or more of
their children.

Narrated entirely by the people themselves in their native Creole (English
subtitles) and with original Haitian music laced throughout the film, the
documentary is both emotional
and informative.  It is the first film to be made about this subject, which
until recently has never been talked about.

Since its completion in July 2001, the film has been invited to The World
Film Festival of Montreal, The International Film Festival of Taiwan, The
International Denver Film
Festival, The Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival,
Thessaloniki International Documentary Film Festival, Geneva Human Rights
Festival, Vues d’Afrique, Sarajevo Film Festival, and the Museum of Modern
Art in New York.

At this time, the film is available for sale to universities, libraries,
museums, and other non-profit institutions.  For ordering instructions, or
to learn more about the making of the film, please visit
www.childrenofshadows.com


Letter received after screening at Medgar Evans College....
Date:	4/15/02 10:12:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

I learned so much from your film and I am so happy that a nonHaitian  took
time to document what is happening to these children.  I love the  fact that
you listened to the children's voices enough to put it on video.  I  have
seen a restavek documentary from Unicef but I did not hear the  voices of
the children. Thank you very much for making this
film.  I want  to show it to my future classes since I plan on teaching
Haitian  teenagers.  How can I obtain a copy for myself?  Please send
information.  Thank you very much for your cooperation. I will give the
flyer to NYU so that the library will get one.  I believe that every library
in  the country should have a copy of this film.  I learned that you made 5
other documentaries about Haiti.  Where can I get a hold of them?  I want to
see if they can help me with my lessons.
 Thanks ,
 Guirline
 NYU Master's student
 ESL teacher

Karen Kramer
Erzulie Films
22 Leroy St.
New York, N.Y. 10014
ph/fx (212)691-3470
www.childrenofshaows.com