Haiti, le chemin de la liberté

Arnold Antonin's 1974 documentary, Haiti, le chemin de la liberté, is dedicated to the anti-Duvalier activists. As a scathing critique of Duvalierist repression and economic misery that has worsened conditions in Haiti, Antonin's film includes numerous interviews and video footage of repression and resistance. Also critical of Cold War politics and US support for both Papa Doc and Baby Doc, the film uses media headlines, footage of compas bands (I saw Nemours) associated with the 'good life' of the Haitian bourgeoisie under Baby Doc, and commentary on the foreign corporate control of Haiti's resources and cheap labor to further buttress its anti-Duvalier messages. 

Tonton Makout horrors, crackdowns on Communists, students, workers, peasants, and even right-wing opposition (yes, Antonin's film includes their voice) are also included in this film. In addition, numerous signs, propaganda messages, radio broadcasts, and corruption are shown to display how much power the Duvalier dynasty possessed. Even the Hemo-Caribbean Company is shown in the film, as well as partying tourists who want to make Haiti the "whorehouse" of America. Braindrain, and the typical list of horror unleashed by both Papa Doc and Baby Doc make it into this documentary.

Unfortunately, a surprising and disappointing aspect of the film was its opposition to Vodou, a film described as "archaic" and "irrational." Given Antonin's leftist sympathies and populist message of uniting the opposition's peasant, worker, and upper-class echelons, I was not prepared to hear this. Due to Vodou's infiltration by the dictatorship, one can understand Antonin's less than friendly treatment of the religion, but it came off as disconnected and condescending to the Haitian popular classes. On the other hand, the music of Trio Select, twoubadou, interviews with tortured peasants and peasant movement leaders, Haitian paintings incorporated to explain Haitian history, and rara music illustrates a populist and cultural nationalist outlook. Thus, for all interested in Haitian resistance to the Duvalier regime, this film is a wonderful introduction from a Haitian perspective and mindset that clearly places Haiti in a Caribbean and US foreign policy contexts.