ella turenne

The third year of the Montreal Haitian Film Festival is in mid swing but it's not too late to view some of the finer films. This year there are multiple documentaries dedicated to the story of Haitian workers in the sugar industry. In fact one of the films, "The Price of Sugar", directed by Paul Haney is narrated by screen legend Paul Newman. Canada is well represented as director Brian McKenna also directs a documentary based on the subject entitled "Big Sugar" which is more about the history of the industry itself.

But not all the films are about the subject. "Failing Haiti" by Rod Paul is about the American supported coup in 2004 against then president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. There will also be a tribute to well known Haitian actor Francois Latour who was murdered last year. The one that peaks my interest the most is by American director Ella Turenne. "Woodshed" is a semi-silent film where music and art do all the communicating. "Amours, mensonges et consequences; Vers le sud" is a film starring great British actress Charlotte Rampling with a story that partially takes place in Montreal.

Full schedule can be found here and most films are in French or Creole with English subtitles.

Picture from: Filmmakers Library