Ayiti Toma, au pays des vivants

Nov 1 2013 N/A 1h 22m
Documentary, History, News

It sometimes seems that everything to be said about Haiti has already been said. The global media has released countless reports, documentaries and interviews. Despite the apparent saturation, in this film Joseph Hillel succeeds in taking a broad yet unique look at the ostensibly well-known country. His approach is simple: letting Haitians speak for themselves and increasing the number of points of view on the record. Sociologists, historians, street urchins and Vodou priests all have their say, and all share the same desire to show off the diversity and richness of a people too often subject to outsiders’ harsh judgment. Rather than indulging in simple idealization, AYITI TOMA explores the complexity of the many challenges still facing a unique people whose culture and history are as magical as they are dark.

Plot

Beyond the country that overcame slavery to become the first Black Republic, beyond the country that has survived numerous natural disasters and even humanitarian aid, lies Ayiti Toma, the 'country that is ours'. The documentary that bears this name aspires to present this lesser known, more inclusive Ayiti as it is retold and illuminated by the Ayitians themselves, be they intellectuals, politicians, practitioners of voodoo or young survivors from a hard-hit borough of Port-au-Prince. With the additional input of anthropologists, historians and aid workers (including Sean Penn), this documentary illustrates that the extraordinary culture of this 'magical people' must be taken into account if Ayiti Toma, the land of the living is to come into being.

Written by

Joseph Hillel

Directed by

Joseph Hillel

Cast

N/A

Awards

1 nomination

Scores
# of Votes
9
Average Rating
7.6 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA