The Barbican Cinema is set to present a unique and immersive experience, Visions of Haiti, from October 18 to October 31, 2023. This event will provide a rare opportunity to learn more about the rich Haitian culture, history, and resilience through an array of films, poetry readings, and discussions.

The two-week celebration will present the creative responses of artists and filmmakers to the enigmatic nation of Haiti, spanning over seven decades. The program offers a diverse lineup, featuring documentaries, dramas, and experimental works that reflect the versatile essence of this Caribbean country.

Exploring Haitian Heritage Through Film

The opening night of Visions of Haiti sets the tone with a double bill: A Fortress by Miryam Charles and White Zombie by Victor Halperin. These films explore Haiti’s colonial past and its ties to the Vodou religion, providing contrasting perspectives on the nation’s history. The series continues with Outsider Lenses, manifesting works by American filmmakers who document the customs and daily life of Haitian communities. This collection includes Haiti (1938) by Rudy Burckhardt, Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti (1954) by Maya Deren, and Chants and Dances for Hand (1991-2016) by Larry Gottheim.

The program also features Arnold Antonin’s Haiti: The Way to Freedom, a significant piece by one of Haiti’s renowned documentarians. Raoul Peck’s Haitian Corner and Miryam Charles’ Cette Maison provide poignant narratives that explore themes of identity, displacement, and diasporic trauma.

Poetry, Readings, and Short Films

Visions of Haiti embraces various art forms, including poetry readings and short films. Hope Strickland’s I’ll Be Back! and Gessica Généus’ Freda offer reflections on colonial legacies and personal journeys, while Esery Mondesir’s short films reveal the intricate relationships within the Haitian Diaspora.

From the 18th to the 31st of October, the Barbican Cinema will be transformed into a hub of cultural exploration, presenting the myriad facets of Haiti’s past, present, and future. This carefully curated program provides an opportunity to engage with the beauty and complexity of Haitian culture.

Matthew Barrington, Barbican Cinema curator, remarks, “Visions of Haiti offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the creative responses to Haiti’s history and culture over the years. Through these films, we aim to shed light on the richness and diversity of Haitian perspectives that have often been overlooked.”

Without a doubt, the audience will gain new insights into a nation that has long been a source of inspiration and fascination. Vision of Haiti will invite viewers to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and envision the future of Haiti.

For full schedule and tickets, please check the Barbican Centre’s website.

Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image ©  Gessica Généus’ Freda