World Nomads: Haiti
Posted on April 27, 2009
Filed Under CULTURAL MUSINGS
World Nomads, FIAF’s annual exploration of transculturalism in the 21st century, returns with a focus on Haiti—a country brimming with a rich cultural life that is both fiercely original and stunningly universal.
Presented in partnership with S.O.B.’S, the PEN World Voices Festival, Ciné Institute, The Maysles Institute, and with the guidance of Jonathan Demme, World Nomads Haiti, brings some of the most exciting examples of Haitian culture to New York.
“With the close connection of the French and Creole languages and 500,000 Haitian emigrés who now call the New York area their home, a focus on Haiti this year is a natural sequel to World Nomads’ first season,” says Lili Chopra, FIAF Vice President of Cultural Affairs. “This year’s ambitious program will bring together exceptional musicians, film-makers, writers and artists, to provide an exciting celebration of transculturalism and an engaging examination of Haitian culture and art.”
Some highlights of the FIAF series will include the pioneering “voodoo-rock” band RAM, the writings of the multi-talented Frankétienne, the revelatory filmmaking of directors Jonathan Demme and David Belle, and the works of some of Haiti’s brightest contemporary artists, including Wesner LaForest and Odilon Pierre, to name a few. World Nomads will also include a dedicated poster exhibit at the John and Francine Haskell Library and a course on Haitian literature given at the FIAF Language Center. Encompassing all FIAF cultural programming for the month and stretching between the Maysles Institute in Harlem and S.O.B.’S and the Bubble Lounge downtown, the expansive World Nomads program is set to captivate all of the senses.
Photo_Daniel Morel To kick off the month-long event series, World Nomads Haiti presents RAM, a mizik rasin band that has become the musical voice of a generation of Haitians. Check it out on May 1st at Florence Gould Hall (55 East 59th St) at 8pm, and then don’t miss the special after-party and peformance at S.O.B.’s, with shows at 12am and 2am.
Photo_Daniel Morel
Along with stunning cinema, visual art and literature, the festival boasts a great collection of upcoming musical events:
Haitian Freedom Celebration
@ S.O.B.’S
Featuring Barikad Crew, Haitian Fresh, and CaRiMi
Special guest Wyclef Jean
Hosted by Papa Jubé Altino
Mon, May 18 at 9pm
Haiti Optimiste:
A Global Acoustic & Visual Evening
@ The Bubble Lounge
Featuring Emily King, Michou, and surprise guest
Hosted by Papa Jubé Altino, David Belle, Emmanuelle Chiche,
and Harry Hjardemaal
Wed, May 27 at 8pm
Check out World Nomad’s 2009 for all of the music, film, and literature event information. Don’t Miss Out!!
can’t wait for ram… and the bubble lounge thing sounds cool!