Films about the Haitian Revolution are a fascinating way to explore the history and struggles of this significant event. The Haitian Revolution, which took place from 1791 to 1804, was a successful slave revolt that led to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic in the Americas. Here are some existing films that delve into this historical period:
“The Serpent and the Rainbow”, 1987
Director: Wes Craven
Directed by Wes Craven, this horror film is loosely based on the non-fiction book by Wade Davis. While not a direct portrayal of the Haitian Revolution, it takes inspiration from Haitian voodoo and folklore, providing a thrilling and atmospheric exploration of Haitian culture.
Starring: Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul Winfield, Brent Jennings, Conrad Roberts, Badja Djola, Theresa Merritt, Michael Gough, Paul Guilfoyle, Dey Young, Aleta Mitchell, William Newman, Jaime Pina Gautier, Evencio Mosquera Slaco, Kimberleigh Aarn, Philogen Thomas, Ana Rosa Smith Avila, Francis Guinan, Sally-Anne Munn, Jean-Baptiste Rosvelt, Robert De James, Jackson Delgado, Barbara Guillaume, Betty García Rodríguez, Luis Tavare Pesquera, Claudia Pimentel, Michael Jackson, Diamanda Galás, Ti-Blanc, Marie Carmel Noel, Frantz Thomas, Johnny Pephanon, Lucienne Charles, Suzette Cajusle, Rosemary Sylvain, Iversose Beuville, Maxo Fercilien, Jacques Achilles, Francesco Chavez, Saveur D'Orlean, Maurice Altenor, Miguel Valdez, Elías Gastavo, Harold Désiré, Buche, Providenia Alcántara, Dikatel Charles, Ana Ramirez, Rosa Bautista;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: horror, fantasy, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Serpent and the Rainbow” on the website imdb.com
“Toussaint Louverture”, 2012
Director: Philippe Niang
Directed by Philippe Niang, this French television miniseries focuses on the life of Toussaint Louverture, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution. The series provides a comprehensive look at his leadership and the challenges faced during the revolution.
Starring: Jimmy Jean-Louis, Aïssa Maïga, Yann Ebongé, Arthur Jugnot, Pierre Cassignard, Hubert Koundé, Magloire Delcros-Varaud, Thierry Desroses, Eric Viellard, Féodor Atkine, Mabô Kouyaté, Philippe Caroit, Ralph Amoussou, Ruddy Sylaire, Virginie Desarnauts, Stany Coppet, Sonia Rolland, Julie Dray, Valérie Mairesse, Joffrey Platel, Xavier Lemaître, Thomas Langmann, Gessica Geneus, Ymelda Marie-Louise, Mama Afrika, Jocelyn Regina, Max Mona, Hamen Nourou, Lukas Wittmann, Giovanni Grangerac, Guillaume Malasné, Michel Cabrera-Martin, Marie-Hélène Reynes, Tony Accad, Jacques Brunet, Michel Dural, Gloriah Bonheur, Laurent Negaret, Michel Carliez, Jean-Pierre Secroun, Lou Ken, Cary Normilus, Jean-François Elberg, Jean-Pierre Massoue, Loup de Frémenville, Slony Sow, Alex Martin;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: history;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“Desrances”, 2019
Director: Apolline Traoré
Directed by Apolline Traoré, this drama film tells the story of a man named Desrances who embarks on a journey to discover his family's connection to the Haitian Revolution. Through his personal quest, the film explores the legacy of the revolution and its impact on contemporary Haitian society.
Starring: Jimmy Jean-Louis;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: thriller, drama;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Desrances” on the website imdb.com
“Moloch Tropical”, 2009
Director: Raoul Peck
Directed by Raoul Peck, this political drama unfolds during a lavish dinner party hosted by a corrupt Haitian president. The film offers a critical examination of power and corruption in post-revolutionary Haiti, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the country.
Starring: Zinedine Soualem, Sonia Rolland, Mireille Metellus, Nicole Dogué, Gessica Geneus, Oris Erhuero, Tasha Homan, Elli Medeiros, Jeanne-Henry Alexandre, Aline Calixte, Schneidine Calixte, Sandro Charles-Antoine, Haendel Dorfeuil, Elvire Eugène, Stanley Fabien, Rosny Felix, Stanley Figaro, Frantz-Réginald Georges, Milord Jean-Baptiste, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Grégoire-Junior Jean-Romain, Patrick Joseph, Max Kenol, Ashley Laraque, Jean-Luc Le Floc'h, Samuel Luxama, Serge Madiou, Junior Metellus, Bob Meyer, Emmanuella Obas, Jeanne-Hermine Olivier, Pierre-Noël Patrick, Hébert Peck, Liliane Pierre-Paul, Clarens Renois, Fardia Roc, Marie-Ange Saint-Fleur, Wislin Saint-Hilaire, Renaud Santos-Moro, Wendell Théodore;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Moloch Tropical” on the website imdb.com
These films provide unique perspectives on the Haitian Revolution, ranging from horror and drama to documentary and political commentary. They offer viewers a chance to delve into the history, culture, and legacy of this significant event in Haitian and world history.
The films about the Haitian Revolution offer a powerful and poignant portrayal of one of the most significant events in history. Through compelling storytelling, vibrant visuals, and gripping performances, these films shed light on the courage, resilience, and determination of the Haitian people in their fight for freedom and independence. They not only educate audiences about a crucial chapter in world history but also serve as a reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of oppression. These films stand as a testament to the indomitable will of the Haitian people and the universal pursuit of liberty, making them essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of the Haitian Revolution.
