Fabienne Colas is always on the go. But Kreyolicious caught up with her. The Haiti-born, Canada-residing actress discussed her much-anticipated Fab USA Tour, her first tour of the United States for Minuit, a film she directed.
Go ahead and read this interview she did with your girl Kreyolicious about her career, the future of the movies in Haiti, and her film’s reception in the United States.
Kreyolicious: Would you say that this past year has been your busiest year ever?
Absolutely! The activities and events of the Fabienne Colas Foundation keep me very busy all year round. And this year, I added a Fabienne Colas Big USA Tour stopping in Brooklyn (April 23), Boston (April 24), West Palm Beach (April 30), Miami (May 1st)—screening my latest film Minuit, written by Sophia Desir, followed by a discussion. Unprecedented year for me.
Kreyolicious: You screened your film Minuit in Brooklyn. What was the reception like?
It was an unprecedented happening for Haitian Cinema in the USA! Everyone in New York said it was a first at Brooklyn College Center for the Performing Arts with over a thousand people. I was speechless. So much love…I am so grateful. But it was a team work and I gotta thank my unbelievable team who helped pull it off: Mora Junior Etienne, Gerald Jean, Reginald Simeon, Sarah Vulcain, Joyce Fuerza, Astrid Fidelia, Rhoudini Joseph, Gary Didier Perez, Patrick Ulysse, Marie Carmelle Bastien and many more. My hat goes off to our devoted volunteers too.
Above: With designer Donna Karan.
Kreyolicious: Is being a director something you’d like to try again?
Definitely! It’s a very important position in filmmaking. For me that’s the dream job! You get to cast the actors, make the script come to life, you decide on everything on the movie set. It’s infinite power, but also a huge responsibility since people trust your vision and you get the last word on the set; you gotta make sure you use this power wisely.
Above: Danny Glover and Fabienne Colas.
Kreyolicious: What’s next for you? I remember that during our last conversation, you had mentioned that you had some sort of project in mind.
The only project I’m concentrated on is the 2016 Fabienne Colas Big USA Tour that I’m doing now. I put all my head and soul in it. All the details on my website. As far as the Foundation is concerned, we are preparing two big festivals: The Festival Haiti en Folie in Montreal from July 25 to 31, and the Montreal International Black Film Festival from September 28 to October 2. I can’t wait!
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to another young woman who’s wanting to make it in the Haitian film industry?
Go to school, create your own project, be proactive, surround yourself with people who have more experience than you, and make sure you behave like a lady. [Smiles]
CLICK HERE TO VISIT FABIENNE COLAS’ WEBSITE.
