The third Biennial Haiti Film Fest returns to New York City, kicking off with the Haiti Film Fest Opening Night on Thursday, May 7th at DROM NYC. 

Hosted by Haitian radio personality Carel Pedre of Chokarella; featuring short films Freedom by Matthew Brown and La Veuve by Wood-Jerry Gabriel, with performances by Sanba Zao of Lakou Mizik and underground rap artist Ioan Delice.

More from the press release below: 

As a part of Haitian Heritage Month, May 8 -15, HCX will present over 15 screenings showcasing a variety of documentary, feature and short films exploring subjects such as exile, memory, and cultural heritage. Taking place in venues throughout New York City and kicking things off with the Haiti Film Fest Opening Night on Thursday, May 7th at DROM NYC, the festival explores pressing issues in contemporary Haitian and Diaspora Communities.

Over its first two installments, Haiti Film Fest has drawn thousands of attendees and expects the 3rd Biennial to attract an audience of 2,000 individuals, including Haitians and Haitian Americans, culture lovers, and cinéphiles.

"This is an exciting time of the year for Haiti Cultural Exchange!" says Régine M. Roumain, Co-Founder & Executive Director of HCX. "We are privileged to bring the stories of Haitian filmmakers and of Haiti to diverse audiences throughout NYC and are encouraged by the support we have received from wide-reaching venue partners such as Maysles Documentary Film Center, and the Brooklyn Historical Society."

New York Premieres include: La Belle Vie: A Good Life by Miami-based filmmaker Rachelle Salnave, Storming Papa Doc byMario Delatour, and Port-au-Prince, Mon Seul et Unique Amour by Arnold Antonin; both Haiti-based filmmakers. A special evening of selected short films, including a number of films by graduates of the Ciné Institute, Haiti’s only free film school based in the City of Jacmel, will also be presented.