Failing Haiti 2005
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Primary Pictures and Crawford Post-Production
Directed by Rod Paul
VHS reviewed; DVD available, color, 58 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Political Science, Latin American Studies
Date Entered: 04/04/2007
Reviewed by Martha Kelehan, Binghamton UniversityFailing Haiti looks at how Haiti, the second independent nation in the hemisphere, has become what some political scientists classify as a “failed state.” The film focuses on the circumstances surrounding the ouster of Haiti’s president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February 2004, with special attention to the role the United States played.
Director Rod Paul does an admirable job providing several viewpoints on the political situation leading up to Aristide’s ouster. There are interviews with three former US Ambassadors to Haiti, Tim Carney (1998-2000), Dean Curran (2000-2003), and James Foley (2003-2005), rebel leaders (Guy Philippe), former presidential security guards, drug lords, members of the disbanded Haitian army, academics, and former and current supporters of Aristide. One somewhat surprising gap is a man-on-the-street type interview of regular Haitians. Nevertheless, the overall effect of hearing from so many of the various political actors allows viewers to draw their own conclusions as to the reasons for the failure of democracy in Haiti.
The documentary provides context for the fall by looking at Haiti’s tumultuous history, from the Haitian Revolution to the US occupation of 1919-1934, to the election of Jean-Bertrand “Titid” Aristide. The film also considers the challenge of providing political stability given Haiti’s position as hemisphere’s poorest nation, as well as looking at its future prospects for international aid. Even Haiti’s desperate environmental conditions are alluded to as an aggregative factor in the failure for democracy to thrive in Haiti.
Recorded in high-definition video, this film is very well-shot and edited, mixing archival footage with interviews and street scenes. Music is by the superb Haitian group Boukman Eksperyans. Many interviews are in English, and any French or Kreyol dialogue has been subtitled. Viewers should be warned, however, that the video contains some graphic imagery.
Failing Haiti is highly recommended for college and universities, for its balanced view of the circumstances surrounding the ouster of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The video is recommended for high schools (because of the graphic imagery).