Films about Haiti tend to explore the rich cultural heritage, political struggles, and the resilience of the Haitian people. These films often address themes of poverty, natural disasters, colonialism, and the fight for freedom and democracy in a country with a history of political turmoil. They may be documentaries, dramas, or even stories of the supernatural, reflecting the country’s vibrant mix of influences and the influence of Vodou religion. Here are a few films set in or about Haiti:
“The Agronomist”, 2003
Director: Jonathan Demme
Directed by Jonathan Demme, this documentary focuses on the life of Haitian radio journalist and human rights activist, Jean Dominique. It provides a personal and political history of Haiti over decades of change and turmoil.
Starring: Jean Dominique, Aboudja, Ronald Reagan;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: documentary, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Agronomist” on the website imdb.com
“Ghosts of Cité Soleil”, 2006
Director: Asger Leth, Milos Loncarevic
This Danish documentary, directed by Asger Leth, examines the lives of gang leaders in the slums of Cité Soleil in Haiti during the last months of Jean-Bertrand Aristide's presidency, giving insight into the country's complex social and political dynamics.
Starring: Winson «2Pac» Jean, Wyclef Jean, James «Bily» Petit Frère, Éleonore «Lele» Senlis;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: documentary, action, drama, melodrama, war, music;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Ghosts of Cité Soleil” on the website imdb.com
“I Am Not Your Negro”, 2016
Director: Raoul Peck
Though not exclusively about Haiti, this documentary directed by Raoul Peck is based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript and deals with the history of racism in the United States. Peck, a Haitian filmmaker, interweaves personal and historical narratives that touch upon his native country’s history and its relationship with the U.S.
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, Robert F. Kennedy, Harry Belafonte, Paul Weiss, Dick Cavett, H. Rap Brown;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “I Am Not Your Negro” on the website imdb.com
“Aristide and the Endless Revolution”, 2005
Director: Nicolas Rossier
Directed by Nicolas Rossier, this documentary looks at the events that led to the 2004 coup in Haiti that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the aftermath of those events.
Starring: Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Timothy Carney, Noam Chomsky, James Dobbins, Ross Douglas, Francois Duvalier, Jean-Claude Duvalier, Paul Farmer, Danny Glover, Roger Noriega;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Aristide and the Endless Revolution” on the website imdb.com
“Heading South”, 2020
Director: Yuan Yuan
Directed by Laurent Cantet, this film is set during the late 1970s and tells the story of three foreign women who come to Haiti to find escape and comfort. It provides a lens on issues of power, race, and politics in the context of the tourism industry.
Starring: Chasuna, Chen Fala;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 13 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Heading South” on the website imdb.com
“In the Time of the Butterflies”, 2001
Director: Mariano Barroso
While this film is set in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, it is a notable film in the regional context. Directed by Mariano Barroso, it's based on the historical novel by Julia Alvarez about the Mirabal sisters, who opposed the Trujillo dictatorship.
Starring: Salma Hayek, Edward James Olmos, Mía Maestro, Demián Bichir, Pilar Padilla, Lumi Cavazos, Marc Anthony, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., Ana Martín, Fernando Becerril;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “In the Time of the Butterflies” on the website imdb.com
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until the beginning of 2023, and there may be newer films about Haiti that have been released since then.
In conclusion, films about Haiti not only capture the vivid tapestry of the nation's history, culture, and spirit but also serve as critical platforms to amplify Haitian voices and stories, often neglected in mainstream media. Through the lens of both Haitian filmmakers and international directors, audiences around the globe can gain a deeper appreciation of Haiti's resilience and beauty, despite the adversities it faces. These films, whether they are poignant documentaries, raw depictions of historical events, or evocative narratives that mirror the complexities of Haitian life, contribute to a greater understanding and solidarity with the Haitian people. They underscore the power of cinema to transcend borders, foster empathy, and ignite change by shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of a land rich in heritage and human resilience.
