Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) , a New York based non-profit organization is proud to announce the Third Biennial Haiti Film Fest taking place in venues
throughout the city and kicking things off with the Haiti Film Fest Opening Night on Thursday, May 7th at DROM NYC.
Hosted by Haitian radio personality, Carel Pedre and featuring a selection of short films and performances by Sanba Zao of Lakou Mizik and Ioan Delice , New
York’s newest and hottest underground rap artist. Tickets available here:
Established in 2011, Haiti Film Fest engages Haitians and non-Haitians alike with pressing issues in contemporary Haitian and Diaspora Communities. The festival showcases the emerging talent in Haitian communities, and features provocative and innovative storytelling via narrative films, documentaries, feature-length projects and short films that depict the diversity, depth and vibrant spirit of contemporary Haitian cinema.
As a part of Haitian Heritage month this May, HCX will present over 15 screenings in venues throughout New York City showcasing a variety of documentary, feature and short films exploring subjects such as exile, memory, and cultural heritage. Expanded post-film discussions will provide the sizeable and diverse audience, of Haitians and non-Haitians, the opportunity to learn from filmmakers about their inspiration, techniques, and obstacles.
Scholars will also be invited to expand upon the humanities and social themes presented through the films.
Over its first two installments, Haiti Film Fest has drawn thousands of attendees and expects the 3 rd Biennial Haiti Film Fest to attract an audience of approximately 2,000 individuals, including Haitians and Haitian Americans, culture lovers, and cinéphiles. HCX has assembled a distinguished team of film aficionados to help shape and guide this year’s festival, including renowned writer Edwidge Danticat , filmmakers Jonathan Demme and Jerry Lamothe, and scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr .
Michèle Stephenson , a Haitian-American documentary filmmaker, who previously chaired the Haiti Film Fest and is currently on the Advisory Committee, shared this about the festival: “It has been an awe-inspiring delight to witness the festival flourish year after year. And this time, it’s even bigger, with screenings across New York City and a diversity of voices and visions that won’t disappoint. This week is the time to soak in some culture and be proud. Congratulations Haiti Cultural Exchange!”
2015 Haiti Film Fest Advisory Committee members also include: Arnold Antonin, Fritz Archer, Marc Baptiste, David Bell, Edwidge Danticat, Jonathan Demme, Guetty Felin, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Curtis John, Jerry Lamothe, Anne Lescot, Michelle Materre, Patrick Ulysse, Marc Henry Valmond, and Frantz Voltaire.
The Haiti Film Fest is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and Con Edison.
Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) was founded in 2009 to develop, present and promote the cultural expressions of the Haitian people. HCX seeks to raise awareness of social issues and foster cultural understanding and appreciation through programs in the arts, education and public affairs.
For Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact: Erika Pettersen, Development Manager at [email protected]
A complete 2015 Haiti Film Fest schedule follows. For more information on this year’s Haiti
Film Fest, visit: www.HaitiCulturalX.org/HaitiFilmFest
