Read a recent career book about public relations and its author will state in its introduction that the gift of gab is a characteristic of the profession. Ketia Fequiere realized she definitely possessed this gift. In doing some self-exploration, she knew she also enjoyed attending events and connecting people together. She had always loved music and the arts, and so in 2010, she established KPR Solutions, her entertainment publicity firm.

Fequiere has a vision-oriented approach in working with her clients. One of the most recent campaigns the PR strategist worked on was for a fashion show for trendy fashion store Mimi’s BoutiQ. Fequiere killed it; she created buzz for the show that resulted in a full-house. Her efforts yielded plenty of post-event buzz on social media for her client.

Kreyolicious: One of your favorite quotes, is this quote that has been attributed to Bill Gates: “If I had one dollar left, I’d spent it on PR”. Why, however, do you think that, for some acts, that’s the last thing on their mind?

It’s hard to say, but I think it’s because some acts do not know what public relations can do for your career. My job as a publicist is to expand awareness to clients and build their brand. An artist can have talent, but no one knows it because [a public relations program] is not available to him or her and [therefore] do not know who they are.

Kreyolicious: What would you say is the most stressful aspect of your profession? 

There are many stressful aspects of public relations. Some of them are: keeping clients content, executing a seamless event, unanswered pitches, just to name a few. The most stressful aspect to me is that public relation is poorly understood. Not many people understand what my job as a publicist is. Some people think I’m a manager, a booking agent, an assistant, you name it, I’ve heard it all before. One of the first questions I ask at my initial meeting with a potential client is: “What is your definition of public relations?”

Kreyolicious: And once they give you their definition, you—

Once I am given a definition, I would then explain what is really public relations. Most of the time their response is completely wrong. After I explain it to them we move on to what their realistic goals are for public relations and marketing services.

Kreyolicious: Did internships play a role early in your career?

Yes, I did intern for an entertainment publicist in the beginning of my career. I believe having hands on experience is always great to have, especially in public relations.

Kreyolicious: I’ve heard of graduates working up to a year as unpaid interns at PR and digital agencies in this economy. What other advice would you give to new graduates besides doing internships?

Some advice I would give to graduates and individuals wanting to be in public relations are to read tons of books, join public relation groups on social media, and practice your writing. I am constantly reading and researching ideas. I am a member of a public relations group named Women in Public Relations. They hold many webinars, workshops and tons of important things that you need to know when you are a publicist. Writing is very vital in public relations. Maybe start a blog or be a contributor on a blog site or for a magazine.

Kreyolicious: What’s the most memorable campaign you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most memorable campaigns I worked on was a sponsorship package for a clothing line by the name of Zoe Beautee. I started out as a fan and purchased a few items from them. Later on, I introduced myself as a publicist and the owner Carline Smothers told me about a benefit fashion show she wanted to put together to donate to a non-profit organization named “Help us Save Us”, which provides a safe and steady source of clean water for their facilities in Sant. Raphael in Haiti. It was memorable to me because I was able to help with a great cause. My main goal in life and in business is to be able to give back and with assisting Zoe Beautee with their sponsorship package, I was able to do so.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in the field?

I don’t even know where to begin. I have learned so many lessons even with the short time I’ve been in this field. I will make a list. Lessons that I have learned in public relations: Believe in yourself. Just go for it. Believe in your craft. Never give up on your dreams. Mistakes happen, learn from it and move on. Don’t be afraid to fail! Don’t work harder—work wiser.

Visit Ketia Fequiere’s KPR Solutions Website to learn more about her firm| Connect with the PR maven on Twitter| Connect with the PR maven on Instagram and on Facebook|

If Gifrants were talking to someone who just had an inkling about Haitian music, and had to introduce them to recordings that he felt captured the essence of what Haitian music is all about, he would know exactly where to begin. Giftrants, a musical veteran, whose career spans several decades, has recorded several albums, including his latest Mwen Damou Yon Nègès Anvoute.

Born Marcien Guy-Frantz Toussaint to Marie-Thérèse Valcourt and Jean-Baptiste Bien-Aimé Toussaint, the musician immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. He says that upon his arrival to the United States, some folks could not manage to pronounce his name. They would call him Martian, Marceau and Marcel, so he decided to adopt the Creole spelling of his name—pronounced Gee-Frans.

So, rejoice Kreyolicious.com readers. If you’ve been waiting on a primer on Haitian music, Gifrants is your humble and knowledgeable servant.

If you could, relax your mind for a bit. Think back to your childhood. What are some of the images that you see in your mind?

I was a very quiet boy who watched people live without being judgmental and strongly determined to learn about his environment. Yet, I felt that I was a little different from the usual Joe. I never used that difference as a weapon, and I always believed that it was a privilege that comes with tremendous responsibilities to be able to understand, hear and see what most people would not.

The other images that really stuck with me and shaped the core of my personality are my days during a few summer vacations from the age of eight to twelve in our lakou [community compound. My great-grandmother died at the age of 108. She was very quiet and the elder of the lakou that had and still has its own “Protector” whom a house was built for. In other words, I have to say that I am a “sèvitè Ginen” though I do not practice and see Voodoo the way it is being conventionally practiced and understood—no images of Lwa for me, no solobodjo or manje lwa or no prayers to the lwas. Still, I have been baptized much later on and given the key of the house of the “Protector.” I was really loved by my great-grandmother, grand-aunt, many people in this lakou and specially Ton De, a very affable man, who would leave me on the top of the cactus next to our house many fruits——mangos, papaya and sometimes crabs. Those crabs do not live in water, but in holes on the peasant’s land or “abitasyon.” There was a lagoon or ma dlo close by where we used to go and swim. Many times, this lagoon would be an kri—that means “overflow” and all we had to do was to bring wide containers or baskets to just pick up the fish——kribish and kabo——shrimp from the river and a this small brown fish we call kabo in Creole. That how was my connection with the peasants and their life started. I was strongly influenced by my grandparents.

How early did music start playing a role in your life?

My father kept saying to me every time we talked that it was my fate to be a musician because I wanted a guitar at the age of three. But, I had to wait until the age of 13 to touch and play one, when one of my cousins who was an evangelical brought one to my house and started teaching me. I only learned one song and it was “Les portes du Pénitencier” [The Doors of The National Prison]. It was a summer vacation. I became obsessed and would play from four in the morning—until late at night. I would not wash myself or eat during this time. This guitar was hand-made and awful green callouses on my fingertips would make it impossible for me to even remove my shirt which my mom would do for me. Still, I would go back the next day and play this guitar again and again.

We would go to Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, for the official [high school] exams. That was when I first met my cousin Boulo Valcourt, who also is a very famous musician. When I went back to Port-au-Prince after my school years at College Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours to study Law at the Faculté de Droit et des Sciences Economiques at the age of 19, I lived in his house. He introduced me to Brazilian music and to his circle of friends, musicians and media personalities. When Radio Nationale announced the first National Radio Contest for Valentine’s Day, I participated and won the first prize with my song “Lheu Nou Fache” [When We’re Angry]—at that time, Creole was not standardized; in fact, I have to write now “Lè nou fache”.This song was re-entitled “Bossa Valentine” by the jury whose members were well-known musicians—–Gérald Merceron, Ansy Dérose and Herby Widmaier.

I participated again at their Mother’s Day contest and won again the first prize while the late Joel Theodore won the second prize and Barbara Guillaume, the third. I tried to register for their Christmas contest but they rejected my registration saying that I had to give somebody else a chance. I only smiled and left their offices.

How did you get your first opportunity in music?

By taking part at this National Radio Contest organized by Radio Nationale in February, 1977—I believe—for Valentine’s Day.

Can you tell us more about this contest?

As far as I remember, Alexandre Abellard was the Director of Radio Nationale at that time. He was into poetry and arts, it looked like. The announcement was made and I took part of it. I registered and recorded my composition “Lheu Nou Fache” at the radio station. The sound engineer was the late Raymond Desmangles. My cousin Boulo Valcourt did play the lead guitar. I played the rhythm guitar and sang. This song was re-entitled “Bossa Valentine” by the jury whose members were the late Gerald Merceron, the late Ansy Derose and Herbie Widmaer.

When your parents and your family started to realize what a big part music was starting to play in your life, what was their reaction?

I was an A+ student. Consequently, when I started playing I faced no problem at home. However, a few of my classmates thought I was crazy since there was no real future for artists in our society. Many years later, while I was at Law School, my grandfather who was a very famous lawyer hinted the fact that someone had to take over after he was gone. Since I was his pseudo-secretary-I was typing all his documents–and I was so smart, he wanted me to be lawyer. His desire was approved by my mom who came to Boulo’s and made it clearly to me that I could not be a musician. Boulo intervened on my behalf and I also stated to my mom that she had to believe in me and my being a musician had nothing to do with fame and success but it was rather a calling. Since I did not drink or smoke, self-discipline, consistency and perseverance would help me achieve what I wanted. That was a blow for her, but I can say that she has always remained very supportive and never complained to me once even when I was playing on the T in Boston. She came to the train stations, heard me play and saw the positive reaction of the crowd. I was among the best buyers in Boston and sold more than 20,000 CDs by myself playing on the T. However, my playing in the subways of Boston has caused me many insults and humiliations from many of my peers and detractors though other “famous” Haitian jazz musicians have also performed in New York subway stations and that was never a problem for them.

If you were talking to someone who just had an inkling about Haitian music, and you had to introduce them to recordings that you feel capture the essence of what Haitian music is all about, which artists and which recordings would you recommend that they explore?

First of all, I have to mention that one needs to list all the genres within the spectrum of our music. Traditional music. One would find there the essence of our music–the peasants are the keepers of the Haitian collective soul. Chanting or enkantasyon in Creole. Rara. Folk music played “anba tonnèl” in the countryside. Those four styles represent the core of our music.

Merengue. Haitian classical music known also as “musique savante”. Not too much opera music but a very limited Haitian singers do embrace this genre, konpa, rasin, “Twoubadou” was an awful deviation from our music for “Twoubadou” is in fact “siwèl” played by our “twoubadou” or troubadours, Haitian ballad music strongly influenced by French music, Haitian big band music, Haitian Creole Jazz, Haitian Rap Kreyòl. And lastly, the natif concept I have come up with I would suggest to him or her to listen to Dòdòf Legros’ recordings as well as those of Issah El Saieh Orchestra, Lumane Casimir, Toto Bissainthe, Martha Jean-Claude, Emerantes De Pradines, Ti Paris, Altieri Dorival because those artists have remained close to the music as played by the peasants.

The early recordings of Septentrional Orchestra and Jazz des Jeunes though they are not quite solid references but they do reflect some aspects of our music. I would tell him or her to listen to the music of Raoul Guillaume, Edner Guillard both great composers and arrangers. I would mention the approach of Rodrigue Milien, Toto Necesite, and Coupe Cloue.

The classical pieces of Frantz Casséus as well as Werner Jaegerhuber, Julio Racine, Ludovic Lamothe, just to name a few are solid references on the classical aspect of our music.

And from there…

From that point on, Haitian music saw unfortunately an effortless innovation with no serious harmonic basis with the arrival of konpa that became so popular among the elite and the middle class. I was never interested in playing this genre, and for me, I have to stress it, there is nothing interesting to discover in this genre. However, I do have much more respect for Wébert Sicot than Nemours Jean-Baptiste—the former was an excellent reed player and a much better musician. In this genre, one must precise that Les Frères Déjean de Pétion-Ville, Magnum Band with Dadou Pasquet who is a very talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, Eddy Brisseaux with his Ra-Bop–fusion of Rara and Bepop– the Caribbean Sextet, Bossa Combo and Zeklè as well as the early “mini-jazz” bands such as Les Difficiles and Gypsies de Pétion-Ville, Les Ambassadeurs, les Vikings, Les Loups Noirs and Shleu-Shleu have left their marks in our pop music.

The “Rasin” movement with Boukman Eksperyans, Boukan Ginen and Lataye put a strong emphasis on our belief system which is Voodoo and subsequently its intonations.

However, this movement started with Ayizan of the very talented guitarist, composer and singer Tit Pascal. His music as well as Foula’s and Pierre Rigaud Chéry’s conveys the intonations of our music the way it is being played up in the hills of our country. Those intonations are slightly different. The Band Sa is alone by itself though Boukman Eksperyans is gearing toward this strongly rock sounds of Sa.

Sakad and Simbi have the same approach though Sakad used more electronics—drum machine pad and synthesizer—than Simbi.

RAM reminds me the softness of Jazz des Jeunes with no solid progressions and dissonant chords to support our popular songs in their interpretations.

Tokay, Kanpèch, Koudjay do not master the intonations of our music at all except in a few songs, and they have strong African influence with the Zouk flavor one can notice with their bass and guitar fingerings and phrasings.

Wawa et les Camisoles Bleues do not respect quite the intonations of our music, and contradict a lot our Voodoo belief system in his chants strongly influenced by the Gregorian chants of the Catholic Church. He is rather soft musically while the late Azor is always strong and even mesmerizing with his voice, his playing—one of the best Haitian conga players—and his music generally speaking. But, his expertise was the “Petro”—this is one beat that he mastered in all its three variances—Petro Fran, Petro Ti Joslyn and Petro Makaya.

Haitian modern pop music does not focus on good music and good arrangements. The whole idea is to find a groove and make people dance. It is not easy for me to recommend such a genre though one must appreciate the talents of great musicians such as Boulo Valcourt, Réginald Policard, Herby, Mushi and Joel Widmaer, Raoul Denis who is also a cellist, Réginald Policar, great keyboardist and songwriter, Reginald Lubin, a damn good singer who performs a lot with Réginald Policard, the great singer Didier Gary Perez, the new King Kino who has become an excellent vocalist. I must admit that we have very good musicians and the Haitian Jazz movement though not quite reflective of the fundamentals of our music has been embraced by excellent musicians such as Buyu Ambroise, Eddy Bourjolly, Jean Chardavoine, Gashford Guillaume, Rigaud Simon just to name a few. I have to mention Derns Emile who is an excellent guitarist and arranger. In fact, his arrangements have helped put Skah-Shah on the top of Haitian music charts in the 80’s. While Tabou Combo has remained the only Haitian band that has a hit on the French Hit Parades, I do not think it has a lot to offer musically though I like their song “Yo” very much as well as “Amélie” of Zeklè, which I consider an eternal song because of its undying freshness.

What are some of the artists that you’ve personally worked with that you would like for us to know about?

I had the privilege to work with Nikòl Levy who is now the musical Director of Septentrional Orchestra. I was one of the co-founders of Sakad with him and Ronald Félix, the bass player who performs from time to time with Tabou Combo. Nikòl was also my first music teacher at College Notre Dame in Cap-Haitien. He is a formidable musician and I hope they can give him enough rope in order for him to modernize the music of Septen. His analytical approach of our music is astonishing and I must confess that he contributes a lot to my understanding of music and musicology.

Another musician who taught me a lot regarding music gear, recording and mixing techniques was Robert Aaron. I was a very quiet learner. He is a multi-instrumentalist and he has produced two albums for me—Rara Mwe and Dans Pou Awoyo. Besides this, Robert’s arrangement techniques bring those layers that help build a song progressively which makes tensions and climaxes very nice and easy to resolve. I have learned this from him.

I must add that God has blessed with the fact that throughout my career many great musicians have contributed to my music—the very well rounded Haitian guitarist Eddy Bourjolly whom I have performed with many times at Chez Antoine in Long Island and recorded Serenade by Gifrants as well as Jean-Baptiste “Bonga” Gaston whom I consider one of the best Haitian conga players, the bassist Philippe Charles, brother of the great bassist Joe Charles, the drummer Jimmy Daniel who performed with famous American and international talents. I took him to Haiti to learn about our music and he became the chouchou [darling] of the musicians over there. Carol Chaikin,a formidable reed player, Jacqz Vincent, keyboardist who taught at the Music School in New York and who is now so famous in France as a trumpeter, Jane Wang, a real virtuoso on bass, Ken Cook on keys, amazing technician, the percussionist Taku Hirano who played with the late Whitney Houston, Alberto Netto and Andreas Brade, both drummers who taught at Berkelee College of Music in Boston, Rigaud Simon, my long-time friend whom I consider my brother in fact, and one of the greatest Haitian bass players who played also with Beethova Obas and Emeline Michel, Andy Dow, great bass player, Akili Jamal Haynes, percussionist who is a prodigy and a mult-instrumentalist, directed his high school band while he was in high School, Takafumi Suenaga, a formidable keyboardist who is also a physicist and Michael Williams Wright whom I consider among the top harmonica players in the world.

There must be times when you look back and evaluate your career and revisit moments and achievements. When you do that, what are some of the things you find are the most special, the most cherished moments of your career?

I do not have too much to say here. One of my greatest moments as a performer occurred at Libreri Mapou where everybody in the audience stood up and started dancing while I was playing guitar. While I do consider the realization of the natif concept one of the greatest achievements of a Haitian musician in the history of our music, I do not feel comfortable taking credit. It is not part of my goals. I also know that the genres such as Chantrèl, Mizkla and Sètfwasèt which I have added to the spectrum of our music bring new foundations to its future—but if there is no continuity after I’m gone, my research and works will remain a thing of the past with major opportunities simply lost.

How did you start playing the guitar?

I did mention that one of my cousins, Jude Célestin, who is an evangelical came to our house with a guitar. He taught me a little bit how to play “Les Portes du Pénitencier” interpreted by Johnny Halliday. “House of the Rising Sun” is the American version. That was the only song of another composer I have interpreted for more than 40 years. I would not even play “Haiti Chérie” or other popular songs, and to tell you the truth, I have never felt the progressions. I was obsessed by chords and progressions. So right away, I went to buy a little music book written by Marabou, and started learning about chords and progressions. Yet, at the age of thirteen, I started writing my own music.

If you were mentoring a young male musician or really any musician of either sex for that matter, what would you say to him or her to prepare him or her for a life in music?

I would tell anyone who is interested to be a musician that the genius sleeps with his or her instrument. That means practice is the key. There is the artist and the musician. The latter thinks about money, fame and success. The artist lives for his or her art. Everything else is secondary.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

Yes. I’m working on two new music books——Pinnalaganash, Chantrèl II——14 pieces written for the violin with a quartet instrumentation, and Kantik Natif, Volim II, 21 songs both traditional and original where I explore much more the “natif” concept.

Be sure to visit the artist’s website BY CLICKING HERE. You can purchase his music on Amazon.com BY CLICKING HERE. You can also visit the artist’s YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Ask singer Beethova Obas about his childhood and the inevitable images of his father Charles emerge like musical notes in his mind. He pictures himself dancing while while his father skillfully plays an accordion. In addition to playing that instrument, Charles Obas was a well-known painter. Beethova Obas doesn’t remember absorbing his father’s creative process–he says he was only four years old at the time of his father’s death—but he certainly can be proud of continuing the artistic chain.

With albums with titles like Kè’m Pozé [My Heart’s at Peace], Futur [Future], Si [If], Pa Prese [Don’t Rush], Obas has created a career out of crafting meaningful albums, with a decidedly world sound. One only has to study a mere chapter of his career to see that he has been a bard of sorts, singing hope-charged messages in his roots-based, jazz-tinged ballads.

Obas says that one of the unforgettable highlights of his career thus far was recording one of his albums with the Waclows Philharmonic Orchestra.

Were you named after Beethoven? That’s the first thing that came to mind for me to ask you.

Yes, my father, Charles Obas was inspired by the great classic composer Beethoven.

Who taught you how to sing? Or was the passion for singing born in you?

I began to sing very late. I began as author and composer—not as a singer. I took singing lessons and music at the InterAmericana University where I had dual degrees in economics and in music. The music and singing classes were precious to me.

I read that your dad turned up missing when you were little. How did that affect your family?

My dad did not turn up missing; my father was killed by the Duvalier regime. His disappearance affected the whole family at every level: social status, economically—even more in an emotional way. Suddenly, we did not [perform] well in school.

Do you think if he had been there to see you through life, you would have been an entirely different person?

Absolutely, life would be different. My perception of life would be different…

I also read that your father left a great number of instruments in the house.

He left an accordion and a guitar.

And which ones were you attracted to?

I was attracted to both. I started with the accordion, and it was too heavy to carry than the guitar.

How did you learn how to write songs?

You learn by listening to other composers, by practicing also…my first known song was “Plezi Mizè” [Pleasure in Misery].

What pushed you to write this song called “Lage’l”?

Haiti has been since since the beginning of my career my source of inspiration and music is one of the artistic expressions I like most. “Lage’l” was the expression of the situation.

What can you tell us about your first album, Le chant de Liberté.

Le Chant de Liberté [Liberty Song] has a story linked to my family.

It was financed by my father because we had sold a painting of Charles Obas’, our father, to [produce] the album. My older brother Klebert had proposed it and my three other brothers agreed. All the songs were written by me except “Koka Bò Kou” written by Pascal Jean Winer who wrote the lyrics. As I had more than eight songs, my friend Ralph Boncy and my brothers helped me to make a selection of the tracks. After the success of ¨Lage’l¨ [Let it Go] and ¨Kole Zepòl” [Stick Together], the album was eagerly awaited.

You released another album Si, four years later. Can you discuss it?

Referring to fans’ opinion, the album Si is the anthology of my six albums; once again Si was the answer to Haitians’ situation at that time. Thanks to the song “Nou Pa Moun” [Ya’ll Ain’t Human] that I recorded with a world-known Martinique band, my songs were diffused in all the French broadcast outlets. I signed with a French label.

In preparation for this interview, I was doing research on your songs, and this one called “Couleur Cafe” stood out for its jazzy feel. What does that song mean to you?

“Couleur Café”  [Color of Coffee] is one of my favorites interpretations. This song was written by a worldwide known singer Serge Gainsbourg. I always say that I warmed the coffee of Serge Gainsbourg, bringing to it the Haitian flavor.

As someone who got his start as a songwriter, what advice would you like to give about song composition?

You must be an excellent observer and enrich your musical vocabulary everyday. Then feel free to express yourself.

Tell us about the recording of the album Kèm Poze.

Kè’m Pozé  is a spiritual message in a specific time of my life. The content of this album is spiritual.

Are there certain elements that make a hit song?

When it carries the message waited by the people, when it talks to people’s hearts.

Photo Credit: Thomas Celis

So, you have a brother who sings as well. How cool. Did the two of you ever thought of putting a band together?

Manno and I have been talking about this project, we already have the name of it: Mannothove Cocktail.

You’ve worked with a plethora of artists. Which ones would you say have been the most inspiring, and the most impressive?

Ralph Thamar, Joceline Berouard, Manno Charlemagne. With them, I’ve learned so many things [of significance] to my career.

Up to this point in your career, which of your albums have been your most mind-blowing, in terms of not only what it did to your career, but also what it made you feel…like, which one made you feel your essence as an artist?

I love all the albums, once they are recorded. It’s up to people to make their opinion on each one of them. They have made their choice. I think Si seems to be the one…

What are you working on now?

TiCorn and myself are working on a new project to honor the great song-writer, author, lyricist Jean-Claude Martineau—more known under the name of Koralen.

What do you treasure the most in your life?

I’m trying to keep a balance between my family and my career.

What sort of counsel would you like to give to other artists who are on their way?

You must be an excellent observer and enrich your musical vocabulary everyday. Then feel free to express yourself.

Beethova Obas Music on CD Baby| Facebook |

If you’re feeling indecisive about career and life decisions you have to make, look further than New York Assembly member Kimberly Jean-Pierre for some solid advice and inspiration. A graduate of Brooklyn College, the now-state official also attended Stony Brook College, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she could not stand sitting with her legs crossed when an earthquake hit Haiti in the early 2010s. She got on the staff of the Haiti Relief Project, helping oversee the relief effort. But long before that catastrophic event, she had sought out Haiti-related causes, having served as Vice President of an organization called Haitian Americans United for Change.

“Sadly, I have never visited the country,” says the state official. “Many people find it very hard to believe because I love the culture and speak Creole fluently. My mom hasn’t been back since 1992 and my father never felt it was safe for me to travel.” The earthquake would have been a vital time to travel there, but she knew she’d be more helpful by staying in New York raising money, gathering medical supplies, apparel and food. “I planned to travel [last] summer, but the campaign came along. The plan is to travel [this] year.”

Meanwhile, she’s going places in life and in her career, and, boy, can we learn a thing or two from her.

Don’t be afraid to do a 180.

“After graduating undergraduate school, I knew I wanted to somehow get involved in education,” she recalls. “I applied for the Fellows Program to become a teacher, but I wasn’t sure about being a teacher. My brother encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Program at Stony Brook University and Public Policy was a new program and I figure I can use this degree to get involved in educational policies. Through the graduate program, I fell in love with local Politics and local government and never left.”

Being in proximity to parents and loved ones is cool, but it’s even better to get out of your comfort zone.

“Long Island was never a thought for me,” contends the native Brooklynite, “but graduate school brought me here. Internships created an entire new definition of what I can do with my degree and the opportunity for a new environment. It’s important to look at your options and the network you have built. Putting yourself in a challenging situation like I did helps you overcome so many factors that not only help you professionally—but personally.”

Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre has a light conversation with some women in her community.

If you’re torn between degrees, there’s only one thing to do…

“Study what you love,” advises Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “I went into Creative Writing because—[from] childhood to my young adult [years], I kept a journal documenting my daily life. I was always a big storyteller and enjoyed playing pretend. More importantly, I battled with my writing and knew it was a necessary tool.”

If your parents had humble beginnings, let that be a driving force of sorts for you.

“I think both of my parents did what they had to do based on the time they came to the United States,” she explains to Kreyolicious. “My mom was a home health aide for over 25 years—and as a single mom she carried out her responsibilities to ensure all four of her children were educated and taken care of. I knew if the opportunities available to me were available to both my parents, their lives would be different.”

Let others do them, and do you.

Now that Kimberly Jean-Pierre is a big-shot in the state of New York, does she ever come across people who used to be mean in high school, and who try to act like they’re her best friends now? “Oh, New York Assembly Woman, Kimberly Jean-Pierre! Girl, what’s up”, and they try to high-five her or dap her and everything. “I am grateful that I can’t relate to that,” she tells Kreyolicious of that scenario. And even if there had been meanies, she probably was oblivious to them. “I have always been a kind and friendly individual. My friends always ask me, “Why are you always smiling or laughing?” Life is too short, there’s no reason for enemies, and effective communication eliminates all this mean behavior.”

Work for free, work for free—also known as interning.

Kimberly’s internship with the New York Public Interest Research Group led to a lot of great opportunities afterwards. To those out there who are thinking about interning, she has plenty of advice in terms of what internships to apply for, and how to make the best of an internship. “Internships are an opportunity for one to build his or her network in the industry they seek interest in, so use it wisely,” she advises. “Ask to be a part of projects, meetings, bring forth ideas, etc. Interns are like staff, employers like to hire within so be known and always be professional. My career on Long Island started with internships and the relationships I built which promoted me from one level of government to another, starting in 2008.”

Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre (in pink blouse) speaks to blue collar workers in her community.

It’s possible for introverts to become leaders.

Is it really? “Yes,” she replies, “when you break out of it. Pride doesn’t exist on the journey to success.” She continues: “You have to be comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from your mistakes is imperative because it changes you professionally and personally. A leader requires work and my pastor would say Leadership is decisiveness, consistency and strength. Change is the essence of maturation.”

Books can change one’s whole outlook on life.

And Kimberly has read such a book. “That book would be my life, my childhood,” she contends. “My mom was a single mom, and as her second oldest but the oldest in the house, the responsibilities of my siblings was mine while she worked long hours. I raised my sister and brother once I graduated graduate school—bringing them to Long Island. The early adult decisions I had to make have shaped me today.

Some gut feelings may turn out to be wrong.

“Nothing comes to mind right now, but I am sure it has happened,” she says of the go-by-your-instincts rule. “You learn to look at the pros and cons of the decision you have to make.”

Remember the basics.

The Assembly Woman says that if she could break down her life into three lessons, they’d simply be summarized in three words: Faith, partnerships and confidence. “Faith–know that God loves you puts your through journeys in preparation for the future. Keep him alive within you,” she explains. “Partnerships—leadership doesn’t occur without building a network and foundation. Confidence- believe in yourself, as a young woman I battled with this but every day I get stronger. Confidence helps you in so many areas of your life.”

Take matters one at a time.

When Kreyolicious inquired about her plans for the future, Kimberly replies, “I am not quite sure, but I know it will be good. I have stopped planning for the future, instead I am focused on the now.”

And speaking of now, Kreyolicious cheries, it’s time for you to put some of these principles to use! Meanwhile…

[Photos furnished by subject.]

KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE ON TWITTER| VISIT KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE’S WEBSITE

Charlene Bathelus is a fighter, though you won’t find a gun in her drawer, nor a sword hanging on a rack behind her at her office in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her foes Obstacles and Discouragement couldn’t be fought with traditional weapons but with drive, determination, and an unrelenting spirit. A graduate of Kean University, and an adjunct college professor, Bathelus is the youngest American of Haitian descent to be elected for public office in Elizabeth (she is an elected official on the Elizabeth School Board). Bathelus never hides the pride she feels in being a community advocate and leader in the city she was born and raised. She works with teens and college students in the community, and works with organizations involved in substance abuse prevention.

So, you were the oldest of three children growing up. Do you think that helped you built character?

Absolutely! I believe that being the oldest of three children is one of the reasons I have been so successful thus far. Every parent has a preconceived notion of what their child will be when they grow up. First-time parents usually set high expectations, and fortunately for me, I was their “first trial.” Not only did they have high expectations for me, but they were strict and extremely over-protective of their first-born and only daughter. It was difficult growing up and having to follow what I felt were ridiculous rules and regulations, but as I grew older I began to appreciate them. I now appreciate the fact that my parents remained focused on those very high expectations that were set for me as well as my two siblings. They were consistent in their discipline and persistent in exposing me to the right things that would help mold and shape my character into what it is today.

What are some memories you have of growing up Haitian?

Some of the memories I have of growing up Haitian are the Haitian Wise Tales that my parents use to tell me—and of course the many, many spankings that I got as a child—more than my brothers combined. If there is one thing Haitian parents do well, it is discipline; they can get very creative with that. In all seriousness, the memories I have growing up Haitian in the safety of my home, versus growing up Haitian in society, were opposites. At home, aside from the Haitian Wise Tales, my parents informed me of Haiti’s great history and contribution to one of the greatest Revolutionary movements to take place. At home and among family, being Haitian was something to be proud of and respected. Society, however tried to convince me differently. I am proud to say that their efforts to do so were in vain; instead I grew fonder of my culture and my Haitian History. Was it difficult and at times challenging? Yes! But, nothing comes easy. I first educated myself about Haiti and my people and then began to educate those around me who had bought into this false facade of what Haiti represents. Overall, I have great memories of growing up as a proud Haitian young lady.

Charlene Bathelus poses with future leaders during a school event.

When you were attending Kean University for undergrad, did you already have your goals already clearly established?

About 80% of students who enter college as a freshmen are undecided. When attending Kean University, I knew that I loved helping people. I remember my friends calling me for all sorts of advice: academic, relationship, career, faith, etc. Quick, think fast…how many personality traits can you list just off the top of your head? Spontaneous, outgoing, crazy, friendly, self centered, kind, strong, cranky, lazy, mean. You can probably rattle off a lot of different descriptions that apply to personality, however does each of these really represent a specific personality trait? These are things that intrigue my psyche. Majoring in a BA in Psychology and an MA in Organizational Psychology allowed me to explore the mental function and behavior in human beings.

What does beauty mean to you?

When talking about the beauty of people, it is more than what can be seen with the human eye. When I think of that kind of beauty I think of something that stimulates the mind or heart of another. Beauty has a personality; it can be an action or simply the state of being. How many times have we seen a person who catches our attention because of their beautiful face but after approaching that very person we find their personality to be ugly, distasteful and unworthy of our presence. Does that ugly personality not cancel out their beauty? For me, it does—and so beauty is a package combined of the many things I listed. Your ability to care for others makes one beautiful. A person who is generous, thoughtful, loving, caring and selfless is beautiful!

After your graduation, you decided that you were going to go to grad school. But the year you went to grad school is marked in history as being part of the years where things were rather difficult economically in the entire country. How can an individual determine whether more education is the way to go, or whether gaining more experience is the more appropriate path?

I believe highly in education. Though education can be acquired outside of the classroom, I strongly believed that attending an educational institute was the right path for me. I decided early that not attending college no matter how difficult it was was not an option for me. My family also strongly believes in higher education and I cannot even imagine my parents supporting the idea of me not attending. During my years at Kean University I was able to balance education and experience very well. I believe that college years are more than just studying to begin and establish a career path. College is all about time management. It’s a place you learn to balance study time, work time and play time. This is where you get to meet and interact with people of all ethnicity and backgrounds throughout the world. During my time at Kean University, I met and am still in contact with a diverse group of individuals who I now have the privilege of calling my friends. Education within itself is an experience. You get what you put in. I could have easily attended for the task of simply obtaining a degree, but I did more than just that. I joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and became the Vice President of the Student Body. I saw it as an opportunity to really broaden my horizons all while strengthening and putting my leadership skills to use. I got involved and that is when I begin to realize just how deep my passion for working with others was. I learned about other cultures and their way of life. I learned that being different was something positive and that our differences are what make people unique. I learned that my way is not always the right way and that there are other ways to handle things. I learned to be more open-minded and to be able to separate personal experience from fact. While at Kean University, I grew to love its culture and what it stands for. In fact, I became so in tuned and connected with the university that I returned not only for Graduate program but to teach as an Adjunct Professor as well. So to answer your question, was it indeed a struggle and a frightening experience due to the economic state of the country? Yes, but it was well worth it and I have no regrets.

Bathelus gets her hands dirty at a community cleanup, following a Breast Cancer Walk.

I bet you were one of those girls whose self-esteem cup runneth over. Am I right?

I wish that was the case, but it was not at all. Growing up I suffered from acne and blemishes which affected my self-esteem tremendously. We all know that when you first see someone the first thing that you notice is their face, so you can only imagine the effects it had on me as a young girl. Living in a society where a “perfect” and attractive physical image (most times unrealistic) is praised, acne was not a good problem to have at all. As the years went by I decided to accept it but work on it. During that process I began to realize that beauty really is skin deep. I began to realize that people saw me how I saw myself. I began to realize that no matter what I looked like physically I was still a beautiful person. I do believe that there are things that we all dislike about ourselves and that is fine. The problem becomes when you hate the things about yourself that you cannot change. We should learn to accept and love those things. Now there are things that we dislike about ourselves that can be changed and that is what we should focus on. My skin for instance was one of those things and so I decided to attack and change that problem that caused me to think less of myself.

It’s often been said that over the course of every successful person’s journey, there’s always this moment when discouragement totally takes over. Have you had such moments in your life?

Most certainly! In 2012, I became the first newly elected person of Haitian descent to ever hold public office in the city of Elizabeth, NJ. I experienced discouragement full-blown during this time. Negative letters were written and posted against me; which were then spread amongst the Haitian churches and community. I felt hopeless, defeated and traumatized because my own community chose to take a stance against me. It was beyond hurtful, but that time in my life brought me closer than ever to God. I gave Him my all and in return He gave me the strength I needed to keep striving for success because that was one of the purposes He had for me!

Bathelus poses with guests at a community event.

How did you get the courage to keep striving forward?

After the election was over, I realized that Unity is essential in the Haitian community. Unity amongst all cultures is crucial because it shows how unbroken or undivided we are. For many years, I witnessed my community dividing to conquer and it has never worked to our benefit. I pray that one day, we will be able to come together and support our fellow Haitian counterparts in their endeavors. It saddens my heart when we continuously divide and prove other communities right. I want to be able to rely on my community through the struggle, whether through fire or cooling water. Haiti’s motto “L’Union Fait La Force” is used to signify the strength in uniting for the common good of the people. “Unity is Strength” has become my motto which has allowed me to bring together many of those who did not support me prior to being elected whereas now, we unite for the common good of our community! As a Haitian leader, that is exactly what I want all mankind to do, UNITE, by committing to support and encourage others to do well.

Where do you get your overall drive and determination from?

My answer is rather simple; I get my drive and determination from God! There are days that I am physically tired and emotionally drained but God continuously fuels me and empowers me to move on and move forward. If it weren’t for Him, I am certain that I would not be where I am today. He is the best planner of life and I am grateful that I grew up in a household where I was taught to trust him to be faithful and just and to lean on his power. I also empower myself by constantly reading my “Prophecy to Myself” which states: “This is my year, hour and season to be abundantly blessed by God! It’s my time for a divine turn-around in every circumstance in my life! I cannot, and will not be denied!”

You are a Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator with Prevention Links and you oversee two community civic action groups in two cities in New Jersey…namely Plainfield and Rahway.

Yes, in this role, I am charged with enhancing positive characteristics in people, educating the masses about the importance of community involvement, instilling professional values and helping others commit to a healthy lifestyle, as well as provide information regarding substance abuse prevention.

How can a person know whether they’re on the right path in life, career-wise?

You’ll know if you are on the right path if you are extremely happy with your career. There are times when we find ourselves being unhappy at a place where we once experienced joy. It does not necessarily mean that you are on the wrong path but perhaps you have reached the point in time where you must reinvent yourself in order to revive that joy. I love pinwheels! They always bring me to a happy moment in life. So let’s imagine a pinwheel. Pinwheels for me signify happiness, carefree mindset, simple pleasures, not taking myself too seriously, and a reminder to inhale fully and gently exhale. When I think of the right career path it somewhat resembles the turning of a pinwheel. The whole journey is a cycle; it has its highs and its lows; it has its still and twirling moments. The wind causes the pinwheel to move! When speaking of the right career path, your wind is found in your innate passion and drive. That unavoidable Zeal should cause you to move.

A career is constant change and growth. No matter the job, there is always more to learn, more to do and higher levels to be reached. The right career path will bring you joy and pleasure. That joy isn’t based on a high income but the fulfillment you get while performing your duties. I know people who help others on a daily basis and receive no income and they seem more at peace than those I know who have a high salary. The difference is one group is fulfilling that deeply rooted passion and calling and that’s where the joy comes from; the other group work for a paycheck to pay their bills and maintain a lifestyle. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that at all. I simply want to make it clear that the right path will not always be glamorous, though it would be nice. However, it will always be beneficial and fulfilling! Simply put, the right career path somewhat resembles a journey on a pinwheel.

From what you’ve seen, what makes a great leader?

A great leader is one who is strong, steadfast, relatable, caring, trusting, responsible and accountable. A great leader is an individual who is knowledgeable about the field he/she leads. A great leader is someone who is able to facilitate and resist dictatorship. A great leader is one who is able to balance being a leader and a team player. He/she recognizes and acknowledges the strengths of those who follow. Based on those strengths he/she confidently delegates tasks and responsibilities to the appropriate people, fully trusting in them to complete them effectively. Overall, a great leader will have the ability and humbleness to not only lead but to also follow!

When was the last time you traveled to Haiti?

My first and only time that I traveled to Haiti was in June 2010 for my grandmother’s funeral. Exactly, five months after the tragic 7.0 magnitude earthquake. I prepared myself to see the worst. I thought there would be rubble, plywood structures and even dead bodies everywhere. To my surprise, I saw a beautiful country in need of some loving hands. Many of the places I traveled warmed my heart and others tore my heart apart and brought me to tears. The tenacity of the Haitian people quickly turned my pessimistic outlook into an optimistic vision for my country. My vision for Haiti is for it to be recovered and restored so that it can be known as the GEM of the Caribbean again.

What would you say to someone who wants to reach the same career heights as you?

What is stopping you? Go for it! When speaking to youth, I make it a point to let them know that I do not want them to achieve what I have achieved, I want them to surpass my accomplishments and strive for much more. We are all stars in our own way! So let your light shine on. A quote that I live by: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m Possible’!”…Audrey Hepburn.

Have you ever been teased for “looking different”? It could be something as simple as the shape of your nose, your body structure, a beauty mark, or the way you walk. Ralph Souffrant was teased for his freckles and now thanks to them, he’s making a killing in the modeling world.

The male model exudes confidence. Here he is during a rooftop photoshoot.

Here he is for a modeling campaign for the brand Diesel.

And here he is again for Only the Blind.

Addidas didn’t want to be left out!

Neither did Calvin Klein. [Photo Credit: Reed Davis Photography]

And on the runway! Look at him go!

Ralph Souffrant is signed to Re:quest agency for the New York market, and with Factor L.A. for the West Coast.

CLICK HERE to read about other models with Haitian roots!

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.

Most future filmmakers don’t start out as International Business majors, but that’s exactly what happened to producer/screenwriter/actor Robinson Vil. Vil, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti at 16, thought that his fluency in Creole, French, and English was an indicator that international business was the way to go. Not exactly enthralled by business school curriculum, Vil found it hard to concentrate, and wondered if this was the appropriate path for his future. After taking a semester off to do some soul searching, Vil took an acting class offered by renowned acting coaches Bob Harter and Della Cole of YourAct. The acting bug, it turns out was ravenous and bit him so zealously, that there was no turning back at Georgia State University—where he had been enrolled. So much for a business degree.

Acting led to directing, and the love of directing, led to full immersion in the filmmaking business. For most talents who have worked with Vil, he is seen as the consummate professional. Says actor Miko De Foor, who initially met Vil a decade ago at an actor, and who has starred in Dark Secrets, one of his short films: “I think he goes over scenes in his sleep the night before we shoot.” There is no indecisiveness on the set when Vil is around. De Foor adds: “He knows what he wants, but is also open to suggestions and allows the actor to have some insight as well. That’s not always an attribute of other directors.”

Ask around and it’s pretty much a chorus. Art director Sherie Hodge whose company Folium worked with Vil on the set of his film Life.Less has a lot to say about the director’s work ethic. Vil she says, “is a focused Director with a passion for translating compelling storylines into memorable works art. I see him as an incredible writer who is comfortable with peeling back the layers of social issues and display them through his vivid films. The stories are hard and real.”

After helming several features and shorts intended for the mainstream audience, mainly the aforementioned Life.less and Dark Secrets (and two others in development Friends and Associates, Vibrations), the filmmaker has seen it necessary to turn his attention to Haiti with the project Rasin Mwen [My Roots], a self-written drama that he hopes will take Haitian cinema to the upper echelons of international filmmaking.

Herein follows a conversation with the filmmaker.

Q & A

In the early 1990s, you moved from Haiti to Atlanta. Was it pretty much a culture shock for you?
Yes, it was almost surreal. From boarding the airplane for the very first time out of Haiti. I felt like I was being transported to another universe where the unknown and the opportunities lie and await. My mother provided a very good life for me in Haiti and I wasn’t suffering or anything like that. I was grateful that I was in a place where I can really be anything that I want to be, pursue whatever dream I have and make it a reality.

Did your parents threaten to stomp you/send you back to Haiti when you told them you had changed direction?
My parents were a bit disappointed that I decided to pursue acting instead of finishing school—college—and get a desk job. But, their support never wavered, they knew that I was a disciplined and passionate person and that they could always trust my decisions.

Besides the YourAct training, have you gotten any training in filmmaking, screenwriting or in cinematography?
YourACT was really the place that got me so interested in the industry, they were the first people I studied with and I will forever be thankful to Bob and Della for their teachings and support throughout the years. I never attended any school for filmmaking, etc. I bought many filmmaking books. I read each one of them cover to cover. I worked a regular job for years, saved up and shot many short films to practice what I’ve read in the books. It worked!

Your film company is called Villain Pictures—Villain as in a take on your last name Vil. A Villain Picture is usually an intense drama. Is that a direction you plan on taking for every one of your films?
I’ve been known to be more on the dramatic side of the fence when it comes to my films. But as a film producer and director, one must be versatile; I can direct any genre. I feel like I am now at a point in my career that I feel fully capable, comfortable and experienced to deliver on any project.

Let’s talk about your film Life.less for a bit. You wrote, produced and directed it. How did you come up with the idea for it?
This film was a struggle to produce due to its subject matter—child molestation and child prostitution. Finding the budget and funding proved to be another ordeal in itself. But, my persistence, patience and determination paid off in the end. Life.less was developed into a full-length feature film in 2009 from a successful short film entitled Riff that I wrote back in 2007. Life.less meant—means—a lot to me, because it is based on true events. As I was writing the script and interviewing people, I learned that some of my closest and dearest friends have been victims of such an atrocity. I felt really amped up and even more determined after learning this; I was not going to stop until I made the film.

When you are so deeply involved with a project: you write the screenplay, and you end up directing it. Is that exhausting?
It is indeed very exhausting, but very rewarding and extremely gratifying at the same time, plus I’ve been doing this for a long time now. In this business it’s very hard to trust that people will do the things needed in a timely manner to get your film to production when you’re not paying or paying very little. Therefore, I have to wear the many different hats, because I know I will not sell myself short on any of my projects.

Did you find yourself happy with the results?
Always! I would never shoot a film that I didn’t like or believe in. I’m always happy with the results, because people—the audience—always respond very well and favorably to my stories, my films.

Dark Secrets—one of your first projects— received a lot of acclaim and was screened at many film festivals, in addition to being nominated for a prize.
Dark Secrets is one of my favorite films that I’ve written, produced and directed. It was shot back in 2004. Again, this was a film based on true events and my two leading actors—Miko Defoor and Nico Ward—were able to deliver superb performances. That project was special to me, because it involved protecting women from selfish men. I have a beautiful, strong and supportive mother, a younger sister, three nieces and many godchildren that are females. So, I was telling the story for them. Dark Secrets is now being developed into a full-length feature as well, to be produced in [the next two years].

Do you think casting is an important aspect of a film?
Casting is one of the most important aspects of filmmaking. The actors have to sell the story; they are instrumental in the success of your film. If your actors can’t fully commit in their given circumstances—the script—and allow themselves to be vulnerable with their characters and live in every moment or simply can’t take directions? You’re screwed. Nobody is going to believe anything that comes out of their mouths, the emotions won’t be there.

You have an upcoming project called Rasin Mwen. It’s being touted as your best project up to date. And that’s while it’s still in development.
I love Haiti! I love its resilience and the fact that despite all that has happened, she’s still standing strong and has so much to offer if you look in the right places. I want to bring a new style of filmmaking to the country. Haitian cinema has suffered for way too long. There are many other countries like Haiti that have delivered successful films that have screened at prestigious festivals such as: Cannes, Sundance, Toronto International Film festival, etc. My objective with Rasin Mwen is to reach such a level. Make the world pay attention to our films and start a new trend of filmmaking that other Haitian filmmakers can follow. Rasin Mwen is a great fiction that is filled with actions, dramas, sex appeal and everything else in between. Just when you think you know what’s going on in the film, you realize how wrong you are. It will be a thrill!

You left Haiti when you were 16, so when it came time to do this movie Rasin Mwen, how did you connect with people down there to actually make this project?
That’s the thing… Even though, I haven’t been there in over 20 years—the instance I touched down in Haiti, it all came flooding back to me. It’s like I never left—that’s part of the reason behind the title Rasin Mwen. Your roots are your roots; they are embedded in you and you are tied up to them forever.

After doing so many films intended for an American audience, what finally made you turn your attention to Haiti?
My plan was always to shoot a film or two or three in Haiti at some point in my career. I’ve turned my attention to Haiti now, because I feel like Haitian cinema is in dire need of a facelift. It’s about time to start putting out serious films that are designed not only to entertain, but at the same address serious and detrimental issues with great production values. Haiti now has the attention of the world. This is the time to show them a different kind of talents in front and behind the camera.

And how would you personally describe Rasin Mwen, outside what is seen in the behind the scenes video?
Rasin Mwen is a story about families and their bonds. It’s a film designed to test the boundaries between what we see as wrong and right. Does the end really justifies the means? Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes. Question is, to what extent?

Actors Iron E. Singleton and Jarvis Shaffer in a scene from Vil’s film The Effect, produced in 2006.

Are you convinced that film is the best medium to get messages through to people?
Yes, absolutely! Films provide entertainment; a basic need for all humans. Entertainment can meet the need for escapism, levity, knowledge and even fear, among other things. Well-written, well-acted, well-produced, well-directed films have a way of transporting an audience to places that they never thought existed. That’s why I do what I do; it is a privilege to make-believe through words and motion pictures.

Were you influenced by the likes of Spike Lee?
I was influenced by Spike Lee to a certain extent, as he has broken a lot of barriers early on with his filmmaking. But, I am a big fan of Antoine Fuqua, F. Gary Gray, Lee Daniels and Tony Scott. My aim is to one day deliver quality projects like theirs. With the right budget, I’m certain that I can put out projects like them.

Once you’ve wrapped up Rasin Mwen, what are your plans for it?
Make sure the film looks and sounds great! Make sure that every Haitian gets a chance to see it. Get it into as many festivals as possible. Get it picked up and distributed to the whole wide world.