It’s that time again! Haiti Cultural Exchange, which has made it its business to spread awareness about Haitian culture, is having its annual film festival. You should go and you should also invite your friends. Hosted by radio and TV host Carel Pedre, the festival will last for an entire week, and will feature a total of sixteen films. Why should you go? Well, why not? Here are some reasons why I think you should head on to the Third Annual Haiti Cultural Exchange Haiti Film Fest!
1. You never go anywhere.
You haven’t been to New York and would very much would like to. Or you’re in New York, but you stay home, locked up in your room all day, you might as well be in the boondocks somewhere in Kentucky. But what to do? Get out for once! And what better way to enjoy life and enjoy yourself than at the Haiti Cultural Exchange’s Haiti Film Fest!
2. It ain’t just about the music, maaan!
Yep, there’s some hip music involved. Music? Yes, music—music as in opening night headliner Ioan Delice and roots artist Sanba Zao, and DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry.
3. Films galore!
Freedom by Matthew Brown will have its New York Premiere at the festival. Written by Ella Turenne, the docupoem centers on the Haitian Revolution. Wood-Jerry Gabriel, a graduate of Cine Institute—a film school based in Jacmel, Haiti—will debut his short La Veuve (The Widow). Most of the screenings following opening night will not cost you a cent, although a donation is welcomed.
“But,” you say, “I can always catch a movie at the movie theater this weekend!”…Yeah? Could you? Yeah, you probably could, but will they be in the same caliber as the 16 aforementioned films that will be screened at the Haiti Cultural Xchange Film Fest? And if they are, will you also get the opportunity to mingle and network with other folks in the community? Speaking of which…
4. New Haitian friends!
Now kreyolicious boys and girls, you know the last time you were in a room full of Haitians was at your Miami cousin Montoya Bonquisha Jean’s communion back when you were nine. This is the perfect time to reconnect. The three F’s…films, friends, and…what’s the third F? I can’t think of it now, but saying The Three F’s sounded so catchy.
5. You will be contributing to a good cause.
Since its launch in the early 2010s, Haiti Cultural Exchange has been offering one huge cultural lesson after another with its events and poetry readings. Your admission fee will go towards its mission of promoting Haitian art, music, culture—and will assure that there’s a fourth edition of the Haiti Film Fest next year!
The Haiti Film Fest will launch on May 7th at this location:
DROM NYC
85 Avenue A
New York, New York 10009
Be there! Ooh, and also, do catch a preview of Forever Yours—scheduled to be screened on the evening of May 10th—below.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FILM FEST’S SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL | CLICK HERE TO READ AN INTERVIEW WITH HAITI CULTURAL XCHANGE’S FOUNDER REGINE M. ROUMAIN | CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
