Lecture Notes: Documentary Presentation on Haiti

Introduction

• Filmmakers introducing their first documentary.
• Aim: To portray a different image of Haiti, beyond violence depicted in mass media.

Current Perception of Haiti

• Poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
• Known for slums, poverty, and high crime rates (kidnapping).
• 9,000 peacekeeping troops and earthquake devastations highlighted in media.

Personal Reflections and Trip to Haiti

• Florian: Son of a Haitian mother and a German father, moved to Germany for studies.
• Decided to take a trip to Haiti with Fabian, a German friend.

Arrival in Haiti

• Arrived in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city.
• Spent the first day with family.
• Prestige Beer: Notable as Haiti's only beer.

Educational Challenges

Clette's School

• Founded by Florian's aunt Clette in Cap-Haïtien.
• Focus: Providing education to poor children without charging fees.
• Children from the poorest slum, Shada, attend the school.
• Heavily reliant on donations, large class sizes, and limited resources.

Daily Life in Haitian Slums

• Shada: Known for extreme poverty and lack of sanitation.
• Observations: Children like Denise with oversized shoes and signs of malnutrition.

Haitian Education System

• Almost entirely privatized; those who can't pay don't get educated.
• Clette's school as an exception – accepts children regardless of financial status.

Historical Context of Haiti

• Columbus’ Arrival (1492): Enslavement and decimation of native Taino people.
• French Colonial Rule: Introduction of African slaves, emergence of the voodoo cult.
• Haitian Revolution (1804): First black republic, end of slavery.
• Economic Repercussions: Large compensations paid to France; impact on Haiti's economy.
• 20th Century Politics: US occupation, dictatorships under Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier, and democratic struggles.

Economic Challenges

• Food and Goods: Heavily reliant on imports, high prices.
• Bill Clinton's Admission: Mistake in encouraging Haiti to import food rather than produce its own.
• Telecommunications: Despite poverty, mobile phone usage is prevalent.

Cultural and Social Aspects

• National Pride: Stemmed from Haiti's historical achievements.
• Carnival Season: Pre-Carnival celebrations observed in Petit-Goâve.

Environmental and Agricultural Issues

• Deforestation: Leading to erosion and poverty.
• Agricultural Challenges: Subsistence farming and lack of resources.

Role of International Aid

• UN Peacekeeping Forces: Mixed reception by locals.
• Cuban Doctors: Quietly providing healthcare in remote areas.

Religious Influence

• Predominance of Voodoo, Catholicism, and Protestantism.
• Observations on religious ceremonies and cultural practices.

Conclusion

• Haiti's needs beyond financial aid include love and understanding.
• The documentary aims to provide a more nuanced view of Haiti beyond the common stereotypes portrayed in media.