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Migratory Voyages: An evening of short films by Esery Mondesir (12*) + Zoom conversation with Esery Mondesir and Jonathan Ali.

Visions of Haiti

,Cinema 2
A man looks out over a landscape in the early evening. There is a palm tree in the foreground.

This programme of shorts by Haitian filmmaker Esery Mondesir, reveals the intricate relationships that shape experiences across the Haitian Diaspora.

Esery Mondesir has emerged as a captivating voice, weaving narratives that delve into the intricate web of the Haitian Diaspora.

With a meticulous approach that transcends traditional storytelling, Mondesir's work stands as a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the human experience through a tapestry of unique connections.

This programme is reflective of these tendencies, demonstrating an artistic approach which draws from experimental traditions and ethnographic documentary practices, whilst maintaining an empathetic and deeply politicised tone.

Tagged with: Cinema Visions of Haiti

In French and Haitian Creole with English subtitles

Programme

Katherine 2019, 3 mins,

Meticulously composed from hand-processed 16 mm film strips and carefully curated archival footage, Katherine is a homage to homage to African-American dancer and activist Katherine Dunham (1909–2006)..

 

What Happens to a Dream Deferred 2020, 25 mins

Transcending boundaries, this film presents a powerful portrayal of individuals striving for their dreams in the face of adversity, shedding light on the stark realities they confront.

Una Sola Sangre 2018, 39 mins

In this short film Mondesir intricately weaves observation and testimony to illuminate the Galde family's life in Cuba. Through their eyes, we gain insight into the intricate negotiation of their Haitian identity in a foreign land, painting a vivid portrait of their unique journey.

 

Pariah, My Brother, I Follow You, Show Me the Route to the Springs 2020, 19 mins

An immersive exploration of stories of Haitians in Tijuana, Mexico, the film traces. their trials and triumphs as they forge a sense of community after traversing the arduous "Route" through South and Central America, while hoping for a brighter future in the face of challenges.

Esery Mondesir

Esery Mondesir is a Haitian-born video artist and filmmaker. He was a high school teacher and a labour organiser before receiving an MFA in film and video production from York University (Toronto) in 2017. Mondesir draws from personal and collective memory, official archives, vernacular records, and the Everyday to generate a reading of our society from its margins.

Made in collaboration with fellow members of the Haitian diaspora in Havana, Cuba and Tijuana, Mexico, his latest films have been exhibited in art galleries and film festivals worldwide, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Montreal, the Open City Festival in London, UK, the Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Mondesir is Assistant Professor at OCAD University in Toronto.

Jonathan Ali

Jonathan Ali is a film curator and writer. He is director of programming at Third Horizon Film Festival in Miami and co-founder of the Twelve30 Collective in London.

He also holds programming roles with Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival, Open City Documentary Festival, and the Open Doors programme at Locarno Film Festival. His byline has appeared in Sight and Sound Magazine and elsewhere.

Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.