Film List:  List and Comments

Prepared by Bob Corbett

First is simply a list of the films I know of. After the bald list, comes the list repeated, this time with comments and sometimes ordering information and other data.

The films that have  **  in front of them are films I have in my library. All the others are films I would like to have in my library. If you know where I could get a copy I'd love to know.

• ANGEL HEART
• ART OF HAITI, THE
• BITTER CANE
• **BLACK DAWN
• **BLACK SUGAR
• BUILDING BRIDGES TO HAITI'S POPULAR MOVEMENT
• **BURN
• **COMEDIANS, THE
• **COUP CONTINUES, THE
• **COURAGE AND PAIN
• DADOU PASQUET: HAITI'S AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC
• DEMOCRACY DERAILED
• DESCENTE AUX ENFERS
• DESOUNEN, DIALOGUE AVEC LA MORT
• ** DREAMS OF DEMOCRACY
• **DIVINE HORSEMEN, THE
• ** DUVALIER INTERVIEW
• FRANCOIS DUVALIER...A VIE
• ** GOLDEN MISTRESS, THE
• **GRANDE SALINE
• HAITI
• **HAITI, A FORGOTTEN NATION
• HAITI, COUP DE GRACE
• **HAITI, KILLING THE DREAM
• HAITI, LE SILENCE DES CHIENS
• HAITI, JE M'SOUVIENS
• HAITI QUEBEC
• ** HAITI: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
• HAITI. UDEN TITEL
• HAITI: UN PEUPLE CREATEUR
• HAITIAN CORNER
• **HAITIAN PILGRIMAGE
• ** HAITIAN SONG
• **INTERVIEW WITH EMMANUEL CONSTANT
• **I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
• KRIK KRAK, TALES OF A NIGHTMARE
• **LEGACY OF THE SPIRITS
• **LE MUSEE DE LA CULTURE HAITIENNE
• **LYDIA BAILEY
• MAN BY THE SHORE (L'HOMME SUR LE QUAIS)
• **MICHELE
• ** MICKEY MOUSE GOES TO HAITI
• MISSION TO HAITI
• **NORTH-SOUTH MONOLOGUE
• NOUS LA
• **OTHER HAITI, THE
• PASSING OF A DATE CERTAIN., THE
• **PLAINE DU NORD
• RA-RA, A HAITIAN FESTIVAL
• SAINT-SOLEIL PROJECT
• **SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, THE
• SHOWDOWN IN HAITI
• SOUL OF THE ISLANDS
• TAXI SANS DETOUR
• TONBE LEVE
• **TO SERVE THE GODS
• **VOICE OF HAITI, THE. SAVING LIVES
• THROUGH PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE
• VOODOO AND THE CHURCH IN HAITI
• **WATERS OF SORROW
• ZANTRAY I: CHILDREN OF HAITIAN TRADITION
• ZANTRAY '88: CHILDREN OF HAITIAN TRADITION (A SEQUEL)

Again:   **   means I have the film in my library. If the   **   is not in front of the film, I am trying to add it to my library. Do you know sources? If so, please email me:

Almost all of these films are available on video. In most cases if I know where to get the films I have included it. I have been building this list of films for some years. I would appreciate any additions or comments on any of the films to add to what's here. Thanks,

• ANGEL HEART    A mystery story which involves a great deal of New Orleans Voodoo. Nothing directly to do with Haiti.
• ART OF HAITI, THE   1982, Mark Mamalakis. 
  Shows how Haiti attracted international attention and recognition with a dynamic art movement created by unschooled painters. Interviews with artists. 26 minutes.
  My own view: The film is rather uninteresting, except as a history of the art movement itself. It is slow moving.
  From the flyer:

  "An extraordinary document on the flowering of the native school of Haitian painting, The Art of Haiti juxtaposes shots of contemporary Haiti with the radiance of Haitian art. The uneasy co-existence of Christianity and Voodoo beliefs is explored through interviews with artists and Haitian experts. Filmmaker Mark Mamalakis also delves into the roots of Haitian art in the everyday life, history and culture of the people of Haiti. The result is an insightful look at some of the most dramatic art to emerge from the Western Hemisphere. 1983. 26 minutes. Color. Written, produced, directed and edited by Mark Mamalis. Cinematography by Mark Mamalakis, Denis Houghton, Ray Kook. Narrated by Bruce Yong.  Dist. by Haitian Arts Project   P.O. Box 57850   Chicago, IL 60657   $250.00."  

• BITTER CANE   1983, Haiti Films. Illustrates the semi-feudal economic system in Haiti today. 75 minutes.
• ** BLACK DAWN   1978, Robin Lloyd and Doreen Kraft. Brilliantly colorful, animated film using Haitian art to portray the revolution which made Haiti a free country. 20 minutes. More Comments
• ** BLACK SUGAR   1989, Michael Regnier. Study of the batays, the cane cutting camps for Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Indiana University Audio Visual Center   Bloomington, IN 47405-5901   Sale:   $200.00   Rent:     $50.00   58 minutes, color.  More Comments
• BUILDING BRIDGES TO HAITI'S POPULAR MOVEMENT   

  "1994; 120 min. Chavannes Jean-Baptiste is a founder of the Papaye Peasant Movement....close adviser to Pres Aristide. Returned to Haiti 1994 after his exile......joined Noam Chomsky 11/19/94 conference at MIT (NE Obser. Deleg.) sponsored by Haiti Anti-Intervention Network in Boston......This combination of Chomsky's "ABC's of US Policy toward Haiti" and Jean-Baptiste's ..explanation of movement for social justice, terror 1991-4, present struggles against dangerous US ec plan is just what the DR ordered for one trying to understand the H crisis. ..picture of H far different from that given in US media. Excellent information quality. Fair production qual. Age level: college,adult."

• **BURN    A film staring Marlon Brando. It is not about Haiti directly. It is on a fictional Caribbean British Isle in the 1850s. However, the rest of the film is extremely close to the details of the Haitian revolution, and follows the same line of argument as though who would claim that the white planters originally fomented the slave uprising for their own purposes. This is a wonderful film, with a great role for Brando.
• **COMEDIANS, THE    1967, Peter Glenville. Based on Graham Greene's novel of life under Papa Doc. Stars Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Cicily B. Tyson, James Earl Jones, Alec Guiness and Peter Ustinov. 160 minutes. This film has an all star cast, but Burton and Taylor are at their worst and it is very slow.
• **COUP CONTINUES, THE HAITI UNDER OCCUPATION   From The Haiti Commission. (212) 633-6646.
• **COURAGE AND PAIN    By Jonathan Demme.
• DADOU PASQUET: HAITI'S AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC   Video; 1994; 7 min

  "Short exerpt on Haitian musician Dadou Pasquet, who helps open the world of Haitian music to the US population while helping Haitians in the US maintain contact with their culture. He sings of the Haitian struggle and the persecution of refugees by US policy
  There is not much music; it's about him, how he's turned back to Haiti."

• DESCENTE AUX ENFERS   This film was made in 1985-86 and some scenes were added to reflect February 1986. The majority of the movie was shot in Haiti with scenes in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel.
  Ralph Reid says:

  "I remembered when the film came out, a lot of people were angry about the portrayal of Haiti and Haitians. It was quite a controversy."

• DEMOCRACY DERAILED     CBC program in "The Fifth State" series.   11/22/93.   35 mins.   Crowing Rooster Productions, Inc.   P.O. Box 1944 Canal Street Station   New York, NY 10013-1944   Ph. 431 7408    Fax. 431 3816.
• DESOUNEN, DIALOGUE AVEC LA MORT    (1994) Raoul Pecq. The dialogue of an old man who cannot leave his land and Baron samedi.
• **DREAMS OF DEMOCRACY   1988, Jonathan Demme. Filmed around the first anniversary of Duvalier's overthrow, Demme captures the hope of the moment. Extraordinary music. 52 minutes. More Comments
• **DIVINE HORSEMEN, THE    1951, Maya Deren. Classic film on Haitian Voodoo and possession. 60 minutes.
  

  Bob Corbett comments: "This black and white film, from footage shot in the late 1940s and early 1950s is simply wonderful. It focuses on possession, but it works thorough the major spirits of Voodoo. A must for anyone who wants to see footage of Haitian Voodoo. Mystic Fire video (about $30).   FYI, their phone number for big and/or educational orders:    (212)941-0999."

• **DUVALIER INTERVIEW    1986, 20/20 Program, with Barbara Walters interviewing Jean-Claude and Michele Duvalier. Astonishing comments by the Duvaliers. 40 minutes.
• FRANCOIS DUVALIER...A VIE    1968, Swiss television. A rare interview with Papa Doc, who explains his theories and strategies for Haiti. French, no subtitiles. 30 minutes.
• **THE GOLDEN MISTRESS   A brief review and essential data.
• **GRANDE SALINE    1985, The National Film Board of Canada. A documentary about an OXFAM-Quebec desalination project. 26 minutes.
  (See information on Black Sugar. This film is also distributed by Indiana University. Also see review of Grande Saline for further comments. Sale:   $160.00   Rent:   $30.00   26 minutes, color.  
• HAITI   1938, Rudy Burckhardt. Rare, early footage of everyday life in Port-au-Prince, interwoven into an elegant experimental B/ W film. 16 minutes.
• ** HAITI, A FORGOTTEN NATION    "By the Lutheran World Federation. An overview of Haiti with concentration on liberating development work. 30 minutes. More comments.
• HAITI, COUP DE GRACE   (1995) Rudi Stern, David Belle (Documentary.)
• HAITI, KILLING THE DREAM    1992. Rudi Stern, Katharine Kean Documentary. 60 minutes. Produced and directed by: Babeth, Katharine Kean, Hart Perryy and Rudi Stern c 1992. Crowing Rooster Productions. $25. Crowing Rooster, PO Bx 1807, Canal St. Station, NYC 10013 212-226-6698.  This video is available in Kreyol (dubbed), Spanish subtitles, French subtitles, and English.
• HAITI, LE SILENCE DES CHIENS    (1994) Raoul Pecq. Documentary, before the US intervention.
• HAITI, JE M'SOUVIENS   1983, Patrice Bolte. Collage of visual images set to haunting Haitian music. Contrasts real life and art in order to create a mosaic of Haitian life. 12 minutes.
• HAITI QUEBEC   1986,Tahani Rached. A look at the racism facing Haitians in Quebec. 57 minutes.
• * * HAITI: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES   1990, Pax Christi, USA.

  "An introductory film for those who know little about Haiti. The film tries to move people for concern for political and social injustice. 30 minutes.From:  Pax Christi USA;  National Catholic Peace Movement;  348 East Tenth Street;  Erie, PA 16503.   (814) 453-4955.   Purchase:   $30.00   Rental:   $15.00   30 minute, color. More comments."

• HAITI. UDEN TITEL   (1995) Jorgen Leth. A Danish personal vision of Haiti
• **HAITI UNDER THE GUN: The Inquiry of The Haiti Commission   Feb. 1992. (212) 633-6646
• HAITI: UN PEUPLE CREATEUR
  

  Univ. description: "Production Institut pour la cooperation audiovisuelle francophone; Television National d'Haiti, 1984 In French. The program explores the crafts, architecture, art, music, dance and religion of Haiti."

• HAITIAN CORNER   A film by Raoul Peck. Haitian Corner (U.S. premier.) Haiti. 1988. 90 min. Drama. Kreyol/English.
  

  From the schedule of African Diaspora film festival:
  "The pain of oppression and exile is revealed in this look at New York's Haitian immigrant community, as seen through the experiences of a refugee from Duvalier's reign of terror. Q/A session with the director."

• **HAITIAN PILGRIMAGE    video; 1992; 29 min

  "Traces the journey of a Haitian-American family from Cambridge back to its cultural roots in Haiti. New insight into Haitian identity and both the centrality of Vodun (Voodoo) to Haitian culture and its potential for liberating change in Haiti."

  "Middle class Cambridge (MA) family - makes a trip back to Haiti - the falls, ceremony - interesting, respectful, human interest. I liked it."

• **HAITIAN SONG   1982, Karen Kramer. A lyrical portrait of daily life in a small community, interwoven with songs and informative commentary. 50 minutes. More comments.
• **INTERVIEW WITH EMMANUEL CONSTANT
  60 minutes program. 12/3/1995.
• **I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE    1943. Hollywood feature film. A terrible horror film, which presents a simply silly view of Haitian Voodoo and zombies.
• KRIK KRAK, TALES OF A NIGHTMARE    Early 1980s. 78 minutes. Vanyoska Gee. Mountaintop Films. (A hybrid film, "unique genre" of life in Haiti, what motivates people in struggle including voudou.) This film is available to purchase on video for $35.
• **LEGACY OF THE SPIRITS    1985, Karen Kramer. An in-depth study of Voodoo. 52 minutes.
• **LE MUSEE DE LA CULTURE HAITIENNE    "La Rencontre des Trois Mondes" Rose-Marie Desruisseau.
• **LYDIA BAILEY    Hollywood feature film. 1950s film story of a woman caught in the Haitian Revolution. Based on a novel of the same name by Kenneth Roberts. This is not available on video, but only on 16mm. Perhaps some evening this will show up on late night TV and someone can copy it for me.
• MAN BY THE SHORE (L'HOMME SUR LE QUAIS)
  

  "Set in Papa Doc's Haiti."Man..." is a political thriller dealing with evil and the human condition, what people will put other people through, given the power and discretion. The story is tightly woven, the direction precise and the acting superb. The cinematography is rich and warm, and the drama is intense. I think this film should be nominated for an Oscar. The film will be released in May, 1996 by KJM3 Entertainment Group, 212-334-4402. KJM3 Distributors, 462 Broadway, Suite 510, NY, NY, 10013."

• **MICHELE   1986, 60 Minutes Program. A portrait of Michele Duvalier and her role in hastening the overthrow of her husband. About 30 minutes.
• **MICKEY MOUSE GOES TO HAITI    Walt Disney and the Science of Exploitation. About wages and working conditions in factories making clothing for Disney, as exposed by The National Labor Committee. 19 mins. 1996.
• MISSION TO HAITI    Video; 1994; 20 min.

  "Constructed around human rights activities in Haiti of a New England Observers delegation 12/93... production of CH 5 Boston combines enlightening interviews of Boston area residents with contemp. / archival footage to give the best brief intro to the crisis in Haiti available as of early 1994."

• **NORTH-SOUTH MONOLOGUE    1982, Jacques Godbout. A sharp analysis of the inequalities of Haiti's economic and industrial relationship with the U.S. and Canada. 57 minutes.
• NOUS LA   1988, Tahani Rached. Chronicles the events leading up to the elections of Nov. 1987. French, no subtitles. 30 minutes.
• **OPERATION DECHOUKAJ    Commentaries de Francois Latour.
• **OTHER HAITI, THE   Cine Soleil film by David Korb. Approx. 52 min. Cine Soleil, 648 Broadway # 502, Ny, NY, 10012. Phone (212) 505-1731 fax: (212) 533-7173.

  In recommending the film to me, Leslie Desmangles wrote: "David Korb's excellent film is entitled 'The Other Haiti'. It deals strictly with the formation and operation of grassroots peasant movements in Haiti. As you know these movements dealt with the agricultural use of peasant land, agricultural reforms, and a whole set of social and political issues that were striclty opposed by the Haitian elite, and by the United States as well. They operated openly during the years in which 'the other Aristide' was president of Haiti, and gained his support. The popular support that these groups earned during those years might have been reponsible inpart for his downfall.

• THE PASSING OF A DATE CERTAIN    About the events of July-November, 1993. 12/1/93. 19 mins. Directed by Rudi Stern.  Crowing Rooster Productions, Inc.   P.O. Box 1944 Canal Street Station;  New York, NY 10013-1944.;  Ph. 431 7408.  Fax. 431 3816.

• PLAINE DU NORD   Jean-Francois Chalut. The annual Voodoo ceremony in northern Haiti. A look at the ritual mud bathing. French with no subtitles. 30 minutes.
• RA-RA, A HAITIAN FESTIVAL    1978, Gail Pellet. Depicts the annual Ra-Ra festival. 18 minutes.
• ROAD TO FONDWA    “Less a cinematic opus, and more a dry and gritty survey, “Road to Fondwa” offers the viewer a glimpse into the sad pathos of Haiti. Still, the Haitian legacy of resilience and survival rings true in the movie. There was a hopeful light in the eyes of the Haitian people that penetrated the cameras.” - NYTimes.com
  http://fondwa.org/
• SAINT-SOLEIL PROJECT   1976, Marilyn Rifkin. Portrays a small rural community that uses various art forms as vehicles for development. 18 minutes.
• **SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, THE    1990. Horror film loosely based on Wade Davis' book of the same title. Extremly inaccurate portrait of Haiti and Voodoo. However, students of mine who like horror films tell me it's a good one! About 180 minutes.
• SOUL OF THE ISLANDS    1989, Alain d'Aix. A poetic docu-drama. Singer Toto Bissainthe recounts Haiti's past in song. 30 minutes. Quite elementary, perhaps suitable for elementary school, but probably not high school.
• TAXI SANS DETOUR   1988, Mireille Landry and Gary Beitel. Follows several Haitian taxi drivers in Montreal as they deal with racism. French, no subtitles. 57 minutes.
• TONBE LEVE   1992. From Jonathan Demme. I don't know any more about it.
• **TO SERVE THE GODS    1982, Karen Kramer and Ira Lowenthal. A peasant family honors its ancestors in a Voodoo service. 30 minutes.
• **VOICE OF HAITI, THE    5 minutes. Saving lives through preventative health care. Skylight communications. P.O. Box 181065. Austin, TX 78718.
• VOODOO AND THE CHURCH IN HAITI   1989.
• **WATERS OF SORROW    1986. Documentary by Jacques Costeau. He claims that the waters around coastal Haiti have been fished dry of any commercial level fish.
• **ZANTRAY I: CHILDREN OF HAITIAN TRADITION   A film by David Korb.
• **ZANTRAY '88: CHILDREN OF HAITIAN TRADITION   "David Korb's sequel to Zantray I. A PBS film. A gripping report on the events which have rocked Haiti since the sudden exit of Baby Doc in Feb. 1986. (from the video jacket) 60 minutes. Covers the elction of 11/29/1987 and that of 1/17/1988. Excellent for historical footage of this period. Music by Sakad. Distributed by Seven Star Pictures, Filmoptions Internationale: Centre Productions:  The Empowerment Project and Zantray '88.  P.O. Box 3099  Newport, RI 02840"