13944: Minsky: Some Documentary Films (1983-2000) about Haiti Availability (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "tminsky@ix.netcom.com" <tminsky@ix.netcom.com>

These films about Haiti are distributed by Cinema Guild.
Following this list is contact info.


DOCUMENTARIES AVAILABLE FROM THE CINEMA GUILD

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TiSOEUR: HAITI AFTER DUVALIER
This video chronicles events in Haiti since the collapse of the Duvalier
regime, from the downfall and ignominious flight into exile of "Baby Doc"
Duvalier and his wife (seen arriving in their BMW with military escort in
predawn darkness at Port au Prince airport), moving first-person accounts of
the brutality of the tontons macoutes and the regime's other human rights
abuses, to the nation's first democratic election, the Rev. Jean-Bertrand
Aristide's halting rise to power with the assistance of U.S. military
intervention, and the September 1991 military coup.
Directed by Harriet Hirshorn
1997, color, 52 mins., VHS
Golden Spire, San Francisco International Film Festival
Juror's Choice, Black Maria Film and Video Festival
Best Documentary, Athens International Film Festival

LAFANMI SELAVI
Filmed at a center for street children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, founded by
President Aristide in 1986, this video interviews five young children. They
tell poignant stories of how they were orphaned or abandoned by their
parents, their struggle to live on the streets, and how they came to the
center, whose Creole name means "Family is Life." These interviews, plus
commentary from the center's teachers and Aristide himself, reveal the
difficulties of life in a small country effected by colonization, grinding
poverty, military rule, and a global economy.
Directed by Lee Flynn
2000, color, 60 mins., VHS

BITTER CANE
This feature-length documentary examines the history of Haiti, from the 1804
revolution to the occupation (1915-34) by U.S. Marines, and the repressive
Duvalier regimes of 'Papa Doc' and 'Baby Doc.' Interviews with peasants,
landowners, merchants and U.S. businessmen reveal the workings of the
semi-feudal agricultural system and the rapidly growing industrial sector,
including such consequences as growing unemployment in the U.S. and the
perilous ocean voyage of Haitian refugees.
Produced by Haiti Films
1983, color, 75 mins., VHS
Silver Plaque, Chicago Film Festival
Award of Merit, Latin American Studies Association

THIS OTHER HAITI
While most U.S. media coverage focuses on the tragic situation of Haitian
refugees, this timely documentary reveals the activities of a nationwide
peasant movement for social change in Haiti. Thousands of members of the
Peasant Movement of Papay (MPP)-whose motto is "Organization or Death"-have
been struggling for over two decades, despite brutal army harassment, to
regain control of their lives and to foster the courage to demand change.
The efforts of the MPP-such as the establishment of agricultural co-ops, a
credit bank, educational and training programs, and health
dispensaries-helped set the stage for the first free and fair elections in
Haiti's history in December 1991 which saw the election of the Reverend
Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Despite the September 1991 military coup and
subsequent repression, the MPP activists have chosen to remain in
Haiti-although many of them are presently in hiding-to continue their
efforts to achieve justice and democracy. The film includes interviews with
MPP members and documents the group's activities, showing why the army has
specifically targeted such grassroots organizations for repression. The
result is an inspiring portrait of a little known aspect of contemporary
Haitian society.
Directed by David Korb
1993, Color, 58 mins., VHS
Creole dialog with English
voice-over and narration

HAITI DREAMS OF DEMOCRACY
A colorful report on post-Duvalier Haiti in which the Haitian people express
their fervent desire for democracy. Featuring lively performances by
musicians and street theatre groups, the video focuses on popular music and
songs that reflect the way in which Haiti's distinctive culture confronts
the political realities of this impoverished nation.
Directed by Jonathan Demme and Jo Menell
1987, color, 52 mins., VHS

SOUL OF THE ISLANDS
This poetic docu-drama about the pride and anguish of the people of Haiti
features the renowned Haitian singer Toto Bissainthe who recounts in song a
fable that recreates Haiti's past and reveals its continuing tragedy.
Directed by Alain d'Aix
1988, color, 30 mins., VHS

VOYAGE OF DREAMS
Tells the story of the Haitian boat people and the reasons for their
exile-injustice and political repression, widespread economic stagnation, a
lack of educational opportunity, and the absence of free speech.
Directed by Collis Davis and Raymond Cajuste
1983, color, 30 mins., VHS
Best Video Award, San Francisco Film Festival

DREAMS ENSNARED: DOMINICAN MIGRATION TO NEW YORK
This documentary examines the situation of Dominican immigration into New
York City, detailing the economic pressures of unemployment and poverty in
the Dominican Republic which have led to a rapidly growing Dominican
community in New York, primarily in Brooklyn and the Washington Heights area
of Upper Manhattan. The video focuses on the plight of Dominican women, many
of whom are deported as illegal immigrants after making perilous boat trips,
and features interviews with many immigrants who are struggling to make a
living in New York, most of them working at low wage jobs in the garment
industry. A few success stories are also illustrated, demonstrating that
those immigrants who have adapted their aspirations to their new
circumstances in the U.S., and are willing to work hard, can make a new life
for themselves and their families. "Dreams Ensnared" sketches in the
historical background and outlines contemporary economic issues that will
encourage discussion of the problems confronting emigrants from the
Dominican Republic as well as other Caribbean and Latin American nations
today.
Directed by Sonia Fritz
1994, color, 21 mins., VHS
Spanish dialog with English subtitles

For rental or purchase information, a brochure describing other Latin
American and Caribbean videos, or a copy of our complete catalog, contact
The Cinema Guild, 130 Madison Avenue, Second Floor, New York, NY 10016-7038,
phone (212) 685-6242 or toll-free 1 (800) 723-5522, fax (212) 685-4717,
e-mail info@cinemaguild.com, website www.cinemaguild.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .