Nomadic Wax presents Democracy in Haiti Update

Last week, the Haitian population took to the streets to participate in the 2010 Haitian Presidential Election. The BBC wrote: “this Sunday’s presidential election in Haiti will either be a triumph of democracy over an almost unbelievably grim reality – or a farce” .

It is a strong statement, but the reality is that this election and its results are crucial for Haiti and its future. We at Nomadic Wax are most concerned about the role of young Haitians in this historic moment, and what their hopes are for the future of their country.

As you all know, Nomadic Wax has partnered with Haitian artist Vox Sambou and Haitian underground production company ProVision, to create the third film in our ‘Democracy in…’ documentary series. Our production team has been in Port Au Prince for the last week. Starting on Thursday, we had two more teams start shooting in the Haitian Diaspora communities in NYC and in Montreal. Our NYC team was headed up by talented Haitian-American filmmaker and photographer Michel Dessources Jr, who is also director of a new documentary film on street kids in Port Au Prince (www.ChildrenOfaMotherlessLand.org). Our Montreal team is headed up by non other than well known Haitian artist/activist Vox Sambou.

Our three teams spent all weekend shooting different perspectives on the increasingly fragile political situation in Haiti. Lena and our team in Port Au Prince spent all yesterday filming at voting booths, in the streets, at the Press Conference held by 12 of the presidential candidates calling for the election to be canceled, and the following impromptu rally’s in the streets with candidate Sweet Micky and Wyclef Jean.

The next few days are precarious, to say the least. The situation is extremely fragile and much depends on the decision that the government must make on whether to recall the vote or to let the vote stand as is. Our team remains in Port Au Prince over the next few days.

In our next update, we will introduce you to our three primary characters in the film: young poet and student Rodlin, female political rapper EUD, and the increasingly internationally famous Port Au Prince graffiti writer and philosopher Jerry.

On Sunday, we also celebrated the completion of our fund-raising campaign for Phase 2 of production for the Democracy in Haiti film project. Thank you so much for your support. This has been a humbly experience and we are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

The DIH Team: Magee McIlvaine, Ben Herson, Lena Jackson, Vox Sambou, and the ProVision crew