Nou Sove

The Empowerment Project

2011-01-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

The Empowerment Project from KijiK Multimedia on Vimeo.

Took a little detour for a side project. Back to editing this week.

The Empowerment Project was organized to showcase the power of Haiti, the effect the country has had historically on the world and luminaries that are working to help the country to restore it's former glory. Featuring work by Marc Baptiste, Presscott McDonald, Frank Isman and Kevin Sharpley, the project was curated by Myrdith Leon-McCormick.

The Empowerment project debuted at The Haiti Art Expo Presented by Plum TV along with its co-chairman Jerry Powers, Michael Capponi and Jeff Feldman. Hosted by Venus Williams, Haitian born World Welterweight Champion Boxer Andre Berto. The event kicked off during Art Basel Miami, one of the biggest art shows in the world.

The Empowerment Project sold many portraits including two purchased by Venus Williams. The project will be expanded and is currently being procured for development as a book.

The following poem was a part of the multi-media presentation:

Haiti Empowered

there is power in haiti
haiti is power
year day hour
no matter
alpha we're strong
omega is long away
pray if you may
but
we stay
strong
and empowered

there is power in haiti
haiti is power
haiti is in power
haiti is empowered h

Back to business

2010-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

We have been on hiatus, first due to the earthquake and working for efforts to help rebuild,

then the editors father passed away and then mine two months ago. But we're back in the saddle and getting back to business. Here's the first profile teaser from the Cape Haitien trip:

Much more to come...

Moving forward 2

2010-02-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

We've completed a mini trailer for "Nou Sove"

You can also view it on our temp micro site:

www.kijikmultimedia.com/nousove

Also we're very pleased that Wycleff's sister Melky Jean has featured our Nou Sove profile piece on her on her non profit organization Carma Foundation website:

http://www.carmafoundation.org/

The earthquake has changed so much in regards to Haiti. Many from around the world now have come to help and many more have pledged to help. I give kudos to those who have and challenge those who have pledged to follow through. It is sad news indeed that President Clinton has suffered another blow to the heart while pushing for change for Haiti. The history of Haiti is indeed heartbreaking and has broken many hearts. As President Clinton has been saying in many of his talks since the earthquake, there was a feeling right before the earthquake that tremendous change was happening for Haiti. I feel it was to happen because it was from the ground up. I have dedicated the last few posts of this blog to side initiatives that had happened as a result of the earthquake and of my work in and for Haiti, but please have a look at the first post and read up until now. I hope it is translated my feeling that change was coming. I hope and pray that all efforts for Haiti create the dynamic change necessary to make the country whole. I don't feel I'm doing anything to help Haiti, I feel Haiti has helped me. Historically and otherwise. I and my company have many projects on many issues of social equality, not just Haiti. It's really not about helping, for in helping others, we are helping ourselves. Everyone has needed a helping hand at some point and I feel no one should forget that. Whether the hand was large or small. It's not just Africa, or Bosnia or Haiti, it's many countries and many places. One never knows from one day to the next where the chips may fall and if they do fall hope there is someone there to give you one when you need it.

From CineInstitute Director David Bell

2010-01-17T13:55:00.002-08:00

This from CineInstute Director David Bell:

Ciné Institute Director David Belle reports from Port-au-Prince:
"I have been told that much US media coverage paints Haiti as a tinderbox ready to explode. I'm told that lead stories in major media are of looting, violence and chaos. There could be nothing further from the truth.
"I have traveled the entire city daily since my arrival. The extent of damages is absolutely staggering. At every step, at every bend is one horrific tragedy after another; homes, businesses, schools and churches leveled to nothing. Inside every mountain of rubble there are people, most dead at this point. The smell is overwhelming. On every street are people -- survivors -- who have lost everything they have: homes, parents, children, friends. "NOT ONCE have we witnessed a single act of aggression or violence. To the contrary, we have witnessed neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends and strangers. We've seen neighbors digging in rubble with their bare hands to find survivors. We've seen traditional healers treating the injured; we've seen dignified ceremonies for mass burials and residents patiently waiting under boiling sun with nothing but their few remaining belongings. A crippled city of two million awaits help, medicine, food and water. Most haven't received any. "Haiti can be proud of its survivors. Their dignity and decency in the face of this tragedy is itself staggering."
David Belle, January 17th, 2010 Go to Ciné Institute's website for latest photos and footage coming from the students in Jacmel:

http://cineinstitute.com

more support and initiatives

2010-01-16T08:05:00.001-08:00

The CineInstitute of Haiti needs material and support to get media out and help save lives! Please visit their website : www.cineinstitute.com.

Here is another huge initiative underway in conjunction with Hollywood Unites for Haiti:
Ebene is organizing a drive through their retailers and other businesses to collect food, clothing, ect... Items collected will be given to Hollywood Unites For Haiti to properly allocate. You can also make a donation on their site at www.hufh.org Locations that we will be picking up from are listed below, along with other ways that you can help. We will need volunteers to pick up boxes once filled. Please contact fayola.nicaisse@yahoo.com

1) Myra and Company
7313 SW 59th Court
Miami, FL

2) Sudsies Dry Cleaners
6786 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

3) American Apothecary of Kendall
12538 N. Kendall Drive
Miami, FL
Mon - Sat 10am to 6 pm.

4) South Florida Chiropractic Center
12673 South Dixie Hwy.
Miami, FL

5) Luna Azul of Miami
12308 SW 127th Ave.
Miami, FL

Whole Foods is accepting donations at check out. Please donate at register.

Other Locations Collecting sent to me by a coordinator for Whole Foods:

Toussaint L’Overture High School in Boynton Beach at (561) 738-9800, 654-1048, or 414-5464
Accepting Bottled Water and Emergency Medical Supplies

Florida Atlantic University at (561) 889-5498 (Serge Sincere)
Putting together a Haitian Relief Event at the Tom Oxley Centeron the FAU campus this Friday at 10am in order to collect items to be shipped to Haiti.

True Tabernacle at 3772 S. Military Trail, LW, 33461 (561) 935-9780

St. Ignatius Catholic Church at 9999 N. Military Trail, P.B.Gardens, Fl. 33410, at the Outreach Center. Contact Person: Sandy Kutcel (Director of Outreach) - (561) 627-7478

WORLD HARVEST MISSIONS3357 Pine Hurst Dr.Lake Worth, FL 33467Contact: Miriam Frederick (cell)561-628-6876 Office: 561-868-5005PALM BEACH GARDENS

Maranatha Church2575 Lone Pine RoadPalm Beach Gardens, FL 33420Contact: John Green- 561-622-8330FT. MEYERS/ LEHIGH ACRES

Lehigh Medical Center1500 Lee Blvd.Lehigh Acres, FL. 33936Contact number: 239-369-2101WEST PALM BEACH

Winners Church365 Jog Rd.West Palm Beach, FL 33415Contact: Katy– 561-683-9512 (Red Truck in front)

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church2341 So. Military TrailWest Palm Beach, FL 33415Contact: Gator Spaulding 965-4311x230

LAKE WORTHTrinity Church International7255 So. Military TrailLake Worth, FL 33463Contact: Tommy Peters 965-4166

MIAMILife Impact Center14040 NW 7th Ave.Miami, FL 33168Contact: Madeline Hundy-305-953-5433

PAHOKEENew Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Pahokee502 Boone Ave.Pahokee 33476Contact: Carl Morrison 561-965-7202 church: 561-924-5872-924-2863

BELLE GLADESt. Johns First Missionary Baptist Church600 SW 8th St.Belle Glade, FL 33430Contact: Robert Rease 561-996-1474

INDIAN RIVER CO./ PORT ST. LUCIE/ STUART/ FT. PIERCE/ VERO BEACHGlendale Baptist Church790 27th Ave.Vero Beach, FL 32968Contact: Pastor Mark Richardson 772-562-4848

FT. PIERCE In the Image of Christ Inc.1203 Orange Ave.Ft. Pierce, FL 34950Contact: Tawanne Owens 772-940-4023

Hollywood Unites for Haiti

2010-01-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Unites for Haiti the non profit organization for Jimmy Jean Louis actor from the hit NBC show "Heroes" has set up a relief fund:

http://hufh.org/contribute.html

He will be traveling to Haiti in the next few days.

Project Medishare

2010-01-15T07:01:00.001-08:00

I met with Dr. Barth Green founder and Ellen Powers director of The University of Miami/ Project Medishare initiative a couple of weeks ago for my documentary Nou Sove. They are in Haiti now on the ground with an 11 person team and need support. They are bringing in Doctors, Nurses and health care proffesionals and have been working in Haiti for many years. Here is more info and ways to donate to them.

blog-http://projectmedishare.wordpress.com

facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Medishare-for-Haiti-Inc/103687956624?ref=s

donate-http://tinyurl.com/yarw8zm

Please help for Haiti, a notice that was passed to me.

2010-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

So sad and diisheartening the situation. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/12/haiti.earthquake/index.html

Here's some help links, I'll be adding as I find out more:

Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) http://www.hufh.org

Pan American Development Fund (PADF) http://www.padf.org

World Vision-http://www.worldvision.org

Carma- http://www.carmafoundation.org/

Yelle Haiti- http://www.yele.org/

Sant La- http://www.santla.org/

http://www.theglobalsyndicate.org/get_involved.html

Partners in Health (Paul Farmer's organization) - Zanmi Lasante (“Partners In Health” in Haitian Kreyol) is PIH’s flagship project – the oldest, largest, most ambitious, and most replicated. http://www.pih.org/where/Haiti/Haiti.html

Doctors Without Borders - Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization. They in 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize. http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

Ox-Fam is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to end poverty and injustice, from campaigning to responding to emergencies.
http://www.oxfam.org/

Haiti Relief Truck at 1st Street & Alton Road, Miami Beach- http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=253677477233&mid=1b7f2acG1f5da3ecG3af995dG7

Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit Yele.org and click on DONATE

Red Cross-http://www.redcross.org/
You can also text 'HAITI' to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. The charge will show up on your next cell phone bill.

Maeva Renaud is doing much: http://www.facebook.com/maevatheartist?ref=mf

drop off location:
Preecha's Cuts: (954) 968-1364
W. Atlantic Blvd, Margate,FL 33063
(Intersection Location Atlantic Blvd And St Rd 441)
For Any other Questions:
Felix Julienne (954) 868-8656 or Rodererer Morisset (954) 601-6219

My thoughts: http://nousove.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-haiti.html

Notice and more help links and drop off points:

In the wake of news that an unprecedented 7.0 earthquake has hit the already impoverished land of Haiti, we call on humanity to lend a helping hand. The earthquake has struck just 10 miles from the capital of port-au-prince, where an approximate 2 million people reside. Officials are already branding this a catastrophe of major proportions. A not for profit organization, Pwoteje Timoun is calling on you for your help. We are not only asking for donations of food and clothing but also of physical persons willing to travel to haiti to volunteer their time and effort to help those most in need. In the midst of this untimely disaster, the people of Haiti need your help, help not only for basic necessities such as food, clothing and water,but also your helping hand to clear roads of rubble, and to assist in finding members of family households that are missing and trapped under the rubble. We can not do this alone. Any and all assistance is welcome. Your help is needed immediately. The next few hours after this disaster will be critical.

FT. LAUDERDALE DROP:Donations can be dropped of @ Pwotege Timoun, 11911 NW 32nd Manor, Sunrise, FL 33323 where boxes will be set up for donations of non perishable food items and clothing. We are organizing a group of people to go to Haiti as early as Thursday. If you are able to volunteer your time please contact Gathy Brutus. I can be reached at gathy.brutus@gmail.com or (954) 829-2636.

MIAMI DROP: Haitian American Youth of Tomorrow (HAYOT), 1348 NE 147th Street, Miami, L 33161. Contact: “Teacher” Carline Paul for more info at (305) 509-2313 or hayotinc@aol.com or teachcarline@aol.com.

I, alongside many other Haitian nationals have not made any contact with our families in wake of the earthquake, but we pray for their safety. In the meantime, we come together and organize to bring help to those in need.

Do not fear my people of Haiti, help is on the way!!! God Bless...

PLEASE PASS IT ALONG
THANK YOU

--
Gathy Brutus
Pwoteje Timoun/Protect the Children, Inc.
(954) 829-2636
gathy.brutus@gmail.com

Haiti has given so much, please help during this trying time after the devastating earthquake:

Please visit for more info:

http://kijikmultimedia.com/nousove

http://kijikmultimedia.com/sovenou

Why Haiti? The Earthquake, disaster and the need to help.

2010-01-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

Why Haiti? So many ask me this question about my projects and reasons for pushing so hard for Haiti. Why anywhere? It could be Bosnia in the trying times or any country where the population is moving to have the same opportunities as others. I didn't choose Haiti. Sometimes things come, fall into your way and you make a way for things to happen. Haiti came into my course and I'm so much better for it in so many ways. I am privileged and understand the privilege I've had the ability to act upon. I could have been born anywhere, to anyone, but was born here, raised with many advantages. I've had many challenges, lived in many places, some good some not so much. I understand that when much is given, much is expected. This is why. I'm not Haitian. I could be from anywhere, born at any moment. Do we know from one day to the next if we'll still have the same privilege.

The earthquake in Haiti is disheartening on so many levels. We have the opportunity, have had the opportunity to do something, something big. If we do, if we uplift our neighbors, our brothers and sisters it will have an effect that will resonate across the globe. I recently gave a speech at the Miami Dade County reception for Haiti Independence month. Mayor Alvarez gave the key to the County to both Haiti Ambassador Raymond Joseph and Jimmy Jean Louis last Friday. I gave a gift bag to Jimmy Jean Louis on behalf of he Miami Dade Film Office and a speech about Jimmy's contributions and my love for Haiti. Ambassador Joseph said something in his speech that took me by surprise. I knew it already, but it didn't register fully until that moment. Haiti was the second Independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. After Haiti, many nations followed. Many nations were helped to independence by Haiti including the United States. Battles in Louisiana, Georgia, even Chicago. In the Revolutionary war no less.

So we have another opportunity to do whats right. My heart and soul goes out to my friends and family there and here. I have given a lot for Haiti and will continue to do so. Why, because Haiti has given so much, needs less than that which has been given so freely and is a country that is in my heart and soul. What will we gain, we will gain the strength, spirit, soul, minds and determination of a nation that has helped so many. Here's a few organizations doing something now and a message I was sent a short while ago:

Nou Sove

Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH)

Pan American Development Fund (PADF)

World Vision

In the wake of news that an unprecedented 7.0 earthquake has hit the already impoverished land of Haiti, we call on humanity to lend a helping hand. The earthquake has struck just 10 miles from the capital of port-au-prince, where an approximate 2 million people reside. Officials are already branding this a catastrophe of major proportions. A not for profit organization, Pwoteje Timoun is calling on you for your help. We are not only asking for donations of food and clothing but also of physical persons willing to travel to haiti to volunteer their time and effort to help those most in need. In the midst of this untimely disaster, the people of Haiti need your help, help not only for basic necessities such as food, clothing and water,but also your helping hand to clear roads of rubble, and to assist in finding members of family households that are missing and trapped under the rubble. We can not do this alone. Any and all assistance is welcome. Your help is needed immediately. The next few hours after this disaster will be critical.

FT. LAUDERDALE DROP:Donations can be dropped of @ Pwotege Timoun, 11911 NW 32nd Manor, Sunrise, FL 33323 where boxes will be set up for donations of non perishable food items and clothing. We are organizing a group of people to go to Haiti as early as Thursday. If you are able to volunteer your time please contact Gathy Brutus. I can be reached at gathy.brutus@gmail.com or (954) 829-2636.

MIAMI DROP: Haitian American Youth of Tomorrow (HAYOT), 1348 NE 147th Street, Miami, L 33161. Contact: “Teacher” Carline Paul for more info at (305) 509-2313 or hayotinc@aol.com or teachcarline@aol.com.

I, alongside many other Haitian nationals have not made any contact with our families in wake of the earthquake, but we pray for their safety. In the meantime, we come together and organize to bring help to those in need.

Do not fear my people of Haiti, help is on the way!!! God Bless...

PLEASE PASS IT ALONG
THANK YOU

--
Gathy Brutus
Pwoteje Timoun/Protect the Children, Inc.
(954) 829-2636
gathy.brutus@gmail.com

Melky Jean interview vignette

2009-12-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

We just cut our first vignette from documentary footage on the incredible Melky Jean. It was done rather quick and with a more direct and deliberate approach due to time constraints. The documentary will be more stylized and we shot the original interview using two cameras with a lot of coverage, but I feel it drives the point home.

Next up Mr. Jimmy Jean Louis, who is the focal character of the film. His interview is incredible and his trailer vignette will showcase what the documentary is about. I'm extremely excited as the film shapes up and we head toward post production.

At long last

2009-11-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in...forever. But I've been working hard on another initiative that has taken much of my time and energy. All of what I've put into making the documentaries happen has manifested in an incredible parallel initiative.

more on it later....

The living, ghosts, death and life

2009-05-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Just came back from Haiti. Port Au Prince seemed smaller to me. I rather know my way around now. The city is everything they say it is. Overcrowded, streets lined with garbage, pigs, goats, people driving like tomorrow doesn't exist, cars, motorcycles, bikes, mules, everything goes.

Pollution (like many major cities) and when the rains came, flooding instantly.

But the people flock there for the dream, the dream of making more money, a better way of life. It is the epicenter and financial center for all that's worth. And there is much life there, hustle and bustle and hustle if you're not careful. And people making a way, some big others not as much, some stuck, some living off luck and a prayer, some living in big ways according to western standards.

I went for three things this time. Barry Gordon, the director of Miami Dade College's film program told me of a film he wanted to shoot in Haiti. This was last year and when I came back from Haiti in December I made the connection. I told him I have the connects, he said let's do it and off we went last week. I was able to connect him with people and companies in Port Au Price and the film school in Jakmel, which was quite incredible.

More on that later.

I brought over 80 shoes, cleats and hats for Hollywood Unites for Haiti donated by Miami Country Day Prep School, Lehrman Community Day School and The Green Agency one of the top talent agencies in Miami. I stopped off to my friends at The St. Damien Hospital and dropped off half and by the end of the trip I dropped off the other half to Jonas Petit who runs HUFH on the ground in Haiti.

It's small step, but a start of what I hope will be big and major things to come.

The documentary was to be a minor point and I had really no intention of shooting anything, maybe taking some photos and setting up any interviews or footage for next time. I took a small DV camera primarily for discovery. But I used it as much as the HD camera I took on the other trips. There were many stories and stories inside of stories which couldn't wait. The sound and video will just have to be fixed in post. There was Paula Hyppolite one of the administrators of the CineInstitute, the film school in Jakmel. She moved back to Haiti eight years ago to the mountains and started a coffee bean and cocoa business.

She makes some of the best I've tasted (and I would consider myself an afficianado) and hires locals to work and produce the beans. And Christophe, the owner of The Hotel Cyvaldier where we stayed. First of all; beautiful on every count, location off the coast, rustic, greenery, scenery and the je ne ce quois.

He also runs the school that his father started 14 years ago called the SOS Enfants. It started with two grades and now goes from pre-school to ninth grade. And provides one hot meal a day.

There will be many stories in posts to come and of course the documentary. For now the tales of those living for Haiti, the ghosts of the past which haunt the island nation and those that guard it, the death of the old and the life of a new Haiti, the Haiti that was the Pearl of the Antilles lives underground now, but will live again. The ghosts told me so.

Cape Haitien, La Citadel, ghosts and the living.

2009-04-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

Ghosts are real. Ive seen them here:

This is The Citadel in Cape Haitien. It is the largest fort in the Western Hemisphere.

The fort was commissioned by Henri Christophe between 1805 and 1820 to fight off attacks from the French, but was never used as the island nation was never really physically threatened after Haiti's fight for independence in 1804.

The ghosts of threat still exist though. Although Haiti has maintained it's independence, the challenges faced seem at times ready to topple the country through the sheer magnitude and weight of the problems. It will change though, the ghosts of La Citadel told me while I stayed there. And I did stay there.

Four days in a little room, damp like camping, cold at night from the masonry and eerie. And it was an amazing experience, one of the best in my life.

More on the Cape Haitien, The Citadel, ghosts and the living on the next blog post.

New York, back in production, back to basics, more to come...

2009-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in a while, because it's been so busy not only with Nou Sove, but with other KijiK projects as well. We have been taking in a lot more production work, CineVisun our non-profit Film and Media industry support organization just wrapped up a weekly Sunday event that went for two months and we're wrapping up post on Sove Nou. But work on Nou Sove has been heating up. We just cameback from our second big production leg in New York and it was great.

And we're heading to Cape Hatien on Monday.

The first part of production in New York was covering Jimmy and his involvement in the movement I 2 am Haiti as the spokesperson/ambassador for the Pan American Development Foundation.

While there he shot the first Public Service Announcement for the campaign.

Next Jimmy co-hosted an event for the MTV Unplugged Caribbean showcase which was an incredible look at some of the best current and up and coming Caribbean artists in the world.

“The world” was an omnipresent theme this trip. We are hoping to bring the plight and fight of and for Haiti to the world with the Sove Nou trilogy, in case I haven't mentioned that it is indeed three projects that compromise one concept. The first parts are the documentaries "Sove Nou" and "Nou Sove" and the third is feature narrative film "Tears for Revolution" which we are currently developing to start when Nou Sove is in post production. The worlds of Haiti and New York are more alike than many might think, at least the distinction of populated areas. NYC is filled and over the brim with the hustle and bustle of living, people moving as machinery, timed, synchronized in and out of buildings, subways, cabs, night and day.

No care of light and dark, simply getting it done. High energy, high octane, making ways from the connectivity. As I've written in many posts Haiti is the same, the people moving in unison, like a dance.

The cogs churning, dependent on the wheels to turn for the next day to turn to weeks and years. This is the key, as it's infectious. One moves up, then another and another with information, knowledge and connection internally and externally with the world. All. It's what makes New York a global epicenter. Movement is what makes Haiti work period. Upward growth will move the country forward.

Information processing theory dictates that our minds work like computers with short term memory (RAM) which operates our daily routines and long term memory (hard drive), which is our history. I feel novel experience (cognitive dissodance) increases the productivity of our short term memory, which in turn expands our long term memory and the ability to process our history quicker, relate it to our circumstance at the given moment and/or project for future growth. The more relevant the information, the better suited we are to make things happen for ourselves and others. Therefore the more connection we have to the global strata, the better suited we are to maneuver in this new age, the technological revolution. Education does it, is uplifting in every way. The more informed we are, the more we demand that change happens.

While in New York we stayed in the Millennium Hilton across from where the Twin Towers once stood.

It was amazing and at the same time eerie and haunting.

It's a lesson that destruction can happen to anyone, anywhere and we must care no matter where it occurs. America came together on that day. All of us. We rallied hand in hand. But division always sets in. The machine churns regardless.

Haiti is an American story. Haitians fought in the revolutionary war. There were slaves in America, but they fought as free men coming from Haiti at that time, a free country. They fought for America's independence. The history of Haiti and America is indelibly intertwined. Haiti has suffered many debilitating blows historically and recently with five major hurricanes hitting the island nation in the last couple of years. Much of Haiti looks like a war zone due to internal problems, but also natural disaster. Many are fighting for the TPS distinction that other nations have received for similar problems and even less, that would allow expatriates and others to recover and save many lives. But that story can be found in the Sove Nou trilogy. For now production continues on Nou Sove.

The last of our New York Tour was covering the Hollywood United/ Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) celebrity soccer match and after party. Hollywood United is a celebrity soccer team run by the incredible actor Anthony Liapaglia (Without a Trace, CSI, Frasier).

The match was to benefit Jimmy’s non-profit organization Hollywood Unites for Haiti. There were many celebrities out for the event.

Skeet Ulrich (Jericho, The Newton Boys), Donal Logue (Max Payne, Ghost Rider), Gilles Marini (Nip, Tuck), Ethan Zohn (Survivor ,winner 2007), Costas Mandylor (Beowulf, Saw), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Michael Stahl David (Cloverfield, The Black Donelly’s),
Cheryl Burke (Dancing with the Stars), members of the band “Your Vegas” Melky Jean (recording artist), Marc Baptiste (photographer) and more.

One standout and I feel has become an incredible thread in the Nou Sove saga is Michael Stahl David. When I was in Haiti in December, it was Michael’s first trip. He seemed to be enamored and drawn in by the country and the people, as many are intoxicated by the magic, power and energy the island nation holds. We spoke at a dinner a couple of days before the soccer match and he told me he was on his way back to Haiti to teach acting classes the following week and how excited he was. At the soccer match he gave an incredible interview echoing the same and bought many raffle tickets in support of HUFH.

This is a transformation I have seen occur many times and I can see why Haiti at one time was one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Will Haiti ever be considered “The Pearl of the Antilles” again still is yet to be seen, but I do feel she will one day rise from the ashes as the phoenix, blazing a path to glory.

Movement forward

2009-03-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

The sun shines...Jimmy just officially launched the Hollywood Unites for Haiti website:

www.hufh.com

and it's great. I remember when he told me he was just thinking about it, which was a bit after he became a character on "Heroes". Now it's material and movement forward. From a thought to action. Movement.

We've created a temp microsite for Nou Sove and are working on the official site now:

www.kijikmultimedia.com/nousove

Soon. Steps and bricks, morter and foundation. I can feel a sweeping movement coming soon.

Jimmy Jean Louis Non-Profit organization - video footage from Haiti

2009-02-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Jean Louis is finished with the website for his non profit organization "Hollywood Unites for Haiti". It's great. I'm on the Advisory Board, but also footage we shot while in Haiti is on the main page:

Hollywood Unites for Haiti

Jimmy is doing incredible work, professionally and importantly socially.

Here's a breathtaking photograph by Marc Baptiste that I feel exhibits the movement.

Change and Rollin Josh Brolin

2009-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Change. A new president. A first. The first black president in American history. As President Obama alluded to in his inauguration speech, his father (and him) would not have been served at many restaurants as little as 60 years ago because of their skin color. I lived in South Africa ten years ago, not that far removed from apartheid. Change came swiftly and quick, but after so long it was past due. A Pepsi commercial that ran repeatedly during the inauguration showcased The Berlin Wall coming down with a sledgehammer wielded by a youth ready, bursting with the energy of a bright new day. There is a certain force that creates the engine necessary for sweeping change to happen. Often times it's a perfect storm and more often than not the storm comes from the power of people, a critical mass that moves the needle past the breaking point.

Josh Brolin and Haitian women being photographed by Michael Stahl David

I have a nickname for Josh Brolin. Rollin Brolin. He lives it. Life. Full on. Even when I saw him relaxing it was like the guy was moving. And all while in Haiti he moved. I came off the plane, was dropped off at the hospital and right into the back of a Tap Tap off to Cite Soliel. Jimmy, Josh, Paul Haggis, Dianne Lane, Maria Bello and Bryan Mooser were in the back. "Welcome", "hey", "you ready for this"...so many open greetings. And off we went, Jimmy and Josh hanging off the back. Josh took it further. One leg hanging, rocks popping from tires, dust in face, dusk settling in, I couldn't have written a better narrative.

Jimmy Jean Louis, Josh Brolin

And when we landed off he went, straight into the waiting and anxious crowd of children. And there was embracing and love and smiles and joy.

That was everyone, but he was the first, off like a rocket. That was Josh the entire trip. Full throttle. Stories, and discovery and fun and lows and highs, it all resonated and registered easily by watching Rollin. Why do roles that range from cowboy, to sadistic megalomaniac, to two time loser, to President, to internally tortured politician ( not the same role, but...)come across with honesty and truth, delivered with clarity and passion, depth and compassion. Say what you want, he is one hell of an actor. And passionate yes, compassionate...he didn't hesitate when it came time to give a hand or hug or reach out to all who reached out to him and those that didn't as well.

photo courtesy of Stefano Guindani (incredible photographer, story later)

I spoke with a young documentary filmmaker that was on the plane with him on the way to Haiti. He was on the way to shoot his first documentary. Josh told him to show up at one of the functions we attended and gave him an incredible interview. At Father Rick's Josh was one of the first to move 100 pound bags of rice used to feed the hungry and one of the last. Full throttle. Say what you will, the proof is in the action. And congrats sir on your Oscar nomination.

photo courtesy of Stefano Guindani

Energy. Much has been directed. Change. It may come slowly, maybe slower than we want, but it can come. What it takes is action, not just talk. Energy, directed, focused and consistent. Passion, compassion, heart and soul.

A shot in the dark. Hope shines through.

2009-01-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

There were many heartbreaking experiences while in Haiti. There is much poverty. But there is much hope as well. Just like anywhere I've lived in the world, the human spirit has a way of rising through obstacles. All we know is circumstance. Some are born with incredible monetary wealth. Some, like the lost tribe in the Amazon that was reportedly discovered last May know their environment and not much of the modern world. But were they really lost? I think they know where they're at. That leads me to the point of this post. We know our experience.

One great moment for me was when we were heading to Jakmel. The incredible photographer Marc Baptiste decided to stay in the back of one of the trucks for a while to shoot photographs on the way up.

Marc Baptiste

photograph courtesy of Marc Baptiste

Jimmy Jean Louis

Jimmy decided to do the same and I did as well. Again, one of the better experiences of my life. Marc had a bottle of 22 and we rode through Port-au-Prince and up to Jakmel shooting photo's, video and having a great time.

Marc is from Port-au-Prince and at one point we passed the area where he is from there. He pointed it out and told us this great story about how he got a scar on his face playing around in the streets of Port-au-Prince. He told me he had no idea he would even go to America, less become a famous photographer.

By that time I had already gone with Jimmy to where he was born and heard many stories about him growing up, met his Aunt who was great and some of his old friends. Jimmy had no electricity while growing up as a young boy. He told me he didn't even have a concept of what acting was while growing up in Haiti.

The world to them at that time was Haiti. When I was in Cite Soliel in the middle of one of the roughest parts, I was shooting video and heard a little kid maybe about 7 or 8 rapping. Rapping. I walked or should I say creeped over and started filming him like I've done on so many big music artists. And the boy started performing like so many artists. I jacked up the volume with a beat box and a crowd started to form. Bryn Mooser came over and started beat boxing too and next thing I knew there was a huge crowd almost concert like of kids and women and men and the kid was performing like he was at Madison Square Garden. He had on if I can remember correctly (this will be in the documentary, but we haven't made it to this tape yet so don't quote me)a Michael Jordon basketball jersey. Now we were in the middle of heaps and piles of garbage, pigs and goats and fires and piles of people on piles and there was this kid giving his heart. Giving his all. And all that disappeared. The piles became stands, the people became fans. He was at that time as good as any I've seen or at least had as much soul. He was the Michael Jordon, the Jay Z, the Rakim or TuPac of his city at that moment. He may have some of the troubles we hear so much about in developing countries, but at that moment he was brilliant and shining, a star. In the middle of the middle of Haiti. He most certainly knew a lot more than his immediate surroundings. He knew the world of rap music enough to do it as well as most. But he still hasn't been touched. Or that's at least what the statistics say. 70 percent illiteracy rate. Maybe he wasn't one in that number, but there are so many.

That could have been anyone really. In the Amazon, or on Heroes, or into wealth, or in the middle of the middle of Haiti. You could be reaching out, reaching so hard into a void, a black hole screaming for help. That kid may become a great rapper, or actor or photographer or wealthy beyond imagination. The odds may say no, but the odds have been wrong so many times. Scales balance, the cycle completes itself, guards change in ways never conceived. And anything can happen. Anything. Nothing is lost if never ventured to gain. And shots, even in the dark are worth it if to save just one. Most need that shot at least once in their lives.

Project Medishare, The Coral Gables Congregational Church and Lambi Fund of Haiti

2009-01-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

Project Medishare, The Coral Gables Congregational Church and Lambi Fund of Haiti partnered for an incredible initiative.

Click here or copy and paste: http://projectmedishare.wordpress.com/

The wind of change is blowing strong. Internal change, external range.

Haiti is suffering

2009-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

This article entitled "Misery in Haiti" says it all:

http://www.miamiherald.com/1374/story/849297.html

Father Rick, Michael Stahl David, Jimmy Jean Louis, Connection

2009-01-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned Father Rick on a few posts before. Since he was mentioned so heavily in the first post of this blog, I felt it might be prudent to touch on some of the other experiences before I got back to him. He is quite incredible. But first a bit about the film.

Nou Sove and the companion documentary Sove Nou are about discovery. What has happened in Haiti? What is happening? What does the future hold? Without understanding the past, how can we find the future? The films were not done to give the answers, to present a solution. There is too much there to even try to approach. What they are trying to relay is a broader discussion, to seek understanding.

Michael Stahl David is an extremely talented actor. For my company KijiK, we put Cloverfield as one of our top ten movies of 2008, not because Michael was one of the stars, but because it posed questions, made us think. What if? What drives people to react in dire circumstances?

What I think makes Michael such a great actor is the quest for understanding. I feel he reaches his character through that exploration, the motivation of the character. I felt I connected with Michael in part because of his quest for understanding while we were in Haiti. He explored more than many I've seen in my travels. There were times when the group was moving to the next stop and Michael would be across the street, or in an artists studio, or so engaged in conversation with someone (even though there was a language barrier), we would be gone for a long period without realizing he wasn't with us. I feel he was totally engaged with Haiti and that the people he connected with were engaged with him, drawn to him.

Jimmy is the main focus of Nou Sove in part because I feel he is Haiti. He is connected like no other to the country. His connection is evident in every character he plays, but also I feel in his life. He lives every moment for the moment.

And that brings me to Father Rick. Connection. He started an orphanage 20 years ago. He now presides over the largest pediatric hospital in Haiti and all of the Caribbean, the largest orphanage, the only clean water available to thousands of people and a school system that reaches into the poorest and most crime ridden areas in the country.

I was blown away by his ease from place to place. At the hospital he directed the opening of a new branch while we were there and the daily operations of the facility.

The next day he was giving away tons of food at a drop off point in Cite Soliel. He guided us through Wharf City and the slums in Cite Soliel, where only a few years ago the police and military would not go for even an hour. And they love him. All reaching out to him as we walked, not as a deity, but as a fellow man, human. And the schools in the middle of Wharf City. Incredible.

Connection. We are all born into a set of circumstances, some more favorable than others (at least on the surface). But who knows what circumstance one could have been born under. And in this time of crisis, where people are losing so much it's more relevant than ever. Walk a mile in another's shoes. Maybe connecting isn't so far fetched. Haiti is only two hours away.

The Connectivity Condition...Partying with Diane Lane

2008-12-31T07:13:00.000-08:00

So here comes the new year and we're coursing through post production on Nou Sove. I was looking at some of the photo's and came across this one again:

I've posted it a couple of times before because I thought it was a cool, off the cuff photo snapped with my I Phone for lack of any other story catching medium at that time. It's out of focus mostly, but more in focus on Diane Lane while she flashes a gang sign. Well, it's not a gang sign, but what it does relay is a symbol of peace, relief a sort of letting go. Connection. She does connect so well on screen and I feel it's what makes her a great actress. But that night was all about connection. The group playing is called RAM and is one of the most popular in Haiti (I'll discuss them in a later post and wait until you see the interview and footage.) What makes them so popular is connection. They connected to the audience in so many ways that night. They connect to the people of Haiti and abroad through their message of politics mixed with songs of joy and straight out fun music.

Notice Jimmy in the corner.

He got caught up in the frenzy, grabbed the camera and started shooting. Everyone was caught in the the magic of the moment. We all I feel were one at that moment.

Moving into the new year I feel this is the place where change can happen. I call it the "Connectivity Condition". Holidays are a time where everyone takes a time out. They let go for a moment. Tensions are eased, stress is relieved (except Christmas, the most stress intensive holiday of the year). But New Years is about partying, resolutions, new outlooks, hugging the stranger next to you at the overpriced bar or club or warehouse you're in. Or your neighbor, loved one or in some cases your sworn enemy. But after the 1st it's back on, it's go time, the horses are out of the gate, the dogs are let loose, choose your cliche' statement.

I'll write more on how I feel the "Connectivity Condition" can make the difference for Haiti, but for now I'm taking time out before the new year to reflect on what is important. Connecting with people, helping when you can, feeling the connection is like no other feeling. Nothing can replace it and hopefully we can all take this feeling further into 09.

Haiti's close, yet so far.

2008-12-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

We've started going over some of the footage and although it's been over a week I still feel I'm there. Maybe because Haiti is so close, only two hours by plane. Close as many cities in this country, but so far. It was surreal to be there with John Edwards, who was a viable presidential candidate only a few months ago. So close. But hope was there in the form of a priest, Father Rick. He told a story one night in the middle of Wharf City of how one must deal in Haiti to get things done. It was an amazing tale of good versus evil, greater good versus greater good. In the end what is greater? What is good? Evil? Close, so close. Lives, walk a mile in another's shoes, greener grass, other side, take a side, take a stand. Doc soon, story soon.

Paul Haggis, Josh Brolin, Father Rick, John Edwards

Experience, heart and soul

2008-12-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

Being in Haiti for this trip was amazing, heartbreaking, encouraging, gut wrenching, inspiring, brilliant, and I feel an experience that has moved me as much as any experience in my life. I've lived all around the US, in Europe and in Africa, but this trip really moved me. First, Haiti must be one of the most connected places on Earth. At all times there are people walking, catching tap taps (trucks with benches in the back)...

...on and off and on again, riding bikes in tandem, motorcycles three and four on the same seat at a time, talking, selling, trading and simply making it work. The connectiveness of the people push the life there, make it possible to make a way, seemingly out of no way. But there is. This connectiveness I feel is the key to Haiti's future. We went to a school in the heart of Cite Soleil, one of the roughest cities on the planet.

garbage piled in the sewers

There were women, men, children, grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters in the same room...learning. The seed, that's the seed. The spark. It was breathtaking to me in the midst of the sea of turmoil an island, engaged, eyes cemented to the wall of a chalkboard. Ad hoc chairs, stools and whatever could be used to have a place in the room of the sun. Soleil means sun and the city, in that room was indeed shining. The surroundings however, where quite gloomy. UN peacekeepers spotted every quarter mile or so with grenades, machine guns, riot uniforms and all.

Heaps of garbage, much of it burning, as much of Haiti is perpetually burning. Pigs and goats rooting in the muck wherever they pleased. And the bustle of the people, constant movement was the glue that kept it all from collapsing, the weight and burden as heavy as any in history. But hope is where I found glory. There is much hope. I'll get into that in later posts. And there was of course Jimmy moving seamlessly and effortlessly from the high hotels, to the dankness of Wharf City touching hearts wherever he went.

And Josh "Rollin'" Brolin, connected as much and funny as ever, hanging off the back of a tap tap any chance he got.

Later posts, later posts...

2008-12-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

pics...blog soon

Doc soon, Photo's now.

2008-12-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that going to Haiti will bring a new perspective on life. It will change you. More photo's. Info on the documentary coming soon.

Jakmel Bay...Haitian Pride.

Boats prepared for sea in Jakmel

Diane Lane partying to the sounds of RAM, one of the most popular bands in Haiti

Jimmy Jean Louis with wind in his face moving up the mountainside to Jakmel

Back from Haiti

2008-12-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Haiti was incredible. Everyone needs to go at some point in their life. Images for now.

Jimmy Jean Louis and John Edwards

Paul Haggis and a beautiful Haitian girl.

Super Photographer Marc Baptiste/ Josh Brolin/ Madeline Stowe/ Maria Bellow/ Micheal Stahl David/ Bryn Mooser

Nou Sove

2008-11-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

"Nou Sove" is the 2nd in our "Sove Nou" trilogy. The first part is our documentary "Sove Nou" narrated by Danny Glover

www.kijikmultimedia.com/sovenou

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. The country is as poor as any Sub-Saharan country in Africa or similar underdeveloped region in Western Europe. The Sove Nou trilogy was initiated to address many of the issues that have brought Haiti to where it is now, some of what is being done and what can be done to help bring stability to the region. The third in the trilogy is our feature film called "Tears for Revolution" which is currently under development. This blog and companion website will chronicle the development of Nou Sove while we're in Haiti December 2nd- 7th with logs, video and photographs. Our Haiti trip has become a bit bigger than we anticipated, as a movement has been started called Hollywood for Haiti which will take place while we're in Haiti. Below is information on that. This is not to be confused with the non profit "Hollywood Unites for Haiti" started by "Heroes" actor Jimmy Jean Louis, which KijiK will be partnering with for many projects:

HOLLYWOOD IN HAITI TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED

Paul & Deborah Haggis, James Franco, Madeline Stowe, Josh Brolin & Diane Lane, Maria Bello & Bryn Mooser, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Michael Stahl David and others, in Haiti with N.P.H. – Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) for the inauguration of the first Rehabilitation Centre for disabled children in the country, and the launch of “Francisville – New Work City.”

Two-time Academy Award winner Paul Haggis went to the slums of Haiti last February to meet Father Richard Frechette, priest and doctor, who has been working with the children of Port Au Prince for over twenty years.

Haiti is one of the two poorest countries in the world. “Father Rick,” as he is known to the people of its massive slums, is the Head of N.P.H. – Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters, Nos Petit Freres and Soeurs), a humanitarian organization founded in 1954.

In Haiti today, two hundred and fifty children die every week, most from easily preventable diseases. One child out of three dies before reaching the age of five. Of those who survive, one child out of two does not go to school. Seventy percent of its people are unemployed.

While in Haiti, Haggis visited several N.P.H. projects, including the orphanage that Father Rick founded twenty years ago, home to six hundred abandoned children, and the beautiful new pediatric hospital he built -- the largest in the Caribbean. He also spent time at Father Rick’s street schools in the slums, which provide an education and a hot meal a day to over 3.000 children, and NPH’s water distribution centre, which provides the only clean water available to thousands of people. Father Rick also built the only free mortuary and cemetery. As terrible as it sounds, until he did so, most poor parents were unable to bury their dead children, and their bodies were simply left on a hill, and as a result suffered terrible indignities.

Paul was also there to witness the beginning of construction of NPH’s rehabilitation centre for disabled children.

This December 3^rd, a date internationally celebrated as World Day for Disability, Paul and a group of friends will return to Haiti for the inauguration of “Kay Saint Germaine – House of Little Angels,” the first rehab centre in the country for disabled children. The life of these children is especially difficult in Haiti. According to voodoo worship, the disabled are considered cursed. They are therefore shunned, often abandoned, or worse.

Those visiting on this occasion are doing so to support N.P.H. and Father Rick in spreading information and awareness about the plight of the handicapped children in Haiti. They will also attend the kick-off of a new project, Francisville, a site where small factories and a professional school will be built to produce basic goods such as bread, soap and shoes in order to provide training and jobs for the poor, as well as to create resources to at least partially sustain N.P.H. humanitarian projects in the country.

Joining the group of Americans will be a delegation of Italian donors and volunteers from Fondazione Francesca Rava – N.P.H. Italia, the organization that lead to the realization of Kay Saint Germaine and is now promoting Francisville.