Spanning almost 90 years, this programme brings three formally different works by filmmakers based in the US, who approach the country as outsiders.
From the position of an outsider, each work seeks to document and understand the customs and everyday life of the Haitian communities they encounter, serving as fleeting historical glimpses of rituals and ceremonies performed on the island.
Starting with a glimpse of life in Haiti in the late 1930s to a fascinating exploration of Vodou rituals and a captivating study of rhythm and movement, these three films function as nuanced journey’s across Haiti’s cultural tapestry.
The programme features Haiti (1938), Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti (1954) and Chants and Dances for Hand (1991-2016). Read more about the programme below.
Total Running Time 113 min
Trigger Warning: This film contains scenes of a goat being slaughtered.
Trigger Warning: Contains footage of a charred corpse and a dead child, which some may find upsetting.
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Programme
Completed in 1938, Rudy Burckhardt's "Haiti," is a short but alluring documentary that provides a rare glimpse of Haiti's vibrant culture, traditions, and landscapes. Capturing the authenticity of everyday life in this enchanting Caribbean nation, captured through Burckhardt's artistic lens, as he effortlessly weaves visual poetry into a 15-minute cinematic masterpiece.
USA, Rudy Burckhardt, 1938, 15 mins
A journey deep into the heart of Haiti's spiritual practices, Maya Deren's groundbreaking documentary "Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti" transports the viewer into a world of voodoo rituals.
The film depicts a series of ceremonies and religious practices, with Deren reflecting on the intertwined relationship between the living and the divine. Deren's unparalleled exploration of Haitian Vodou unveils a captivating tapestry of beliefs and rituals, unravelling the essence of Haitian spirituality.
USA, Maya Deren, 1954, 47 mins
This visually stunning film blends the elegance of hand gestures with the power of dance, creating an enthralling experience that transcends cultural boundaries. Crafted over 25 years during which Gottheim and his Haitian partner would give birth to a son, Hand, for whom the film is named, and features across the film.
Larry Gottheim, 1991-2016, 42 mins
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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.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
