Message from Haiti

I am in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and have been here since February 26. I return to D.C. this coming week and will find my departure to be bitter sweet, but leaning more toward the sweet side. I will have more to share about my trip to Haiti later as well as some details about my one day trip to Lima, Peru to deliver a “package” earlier in February. In the mean time my colleague sent me a link to a website that has some pictures of Haiti (www.88daysinhaiti.com). I hope you will take the time to look through them because I find Haiti to be one of the most interesting places on Earth and deserving of your time.

Since the second day I arrived in Haiti I have been thinking that this would be a great place to make a film. A documentary would be too easy and cliché for such a place as Haiti; the film would need to be something that could capture the way of life here but in such a way as to stay true to lifestyle, culture and prospects. Yesterday I realized that my main character would be a DJ. A story about a musician would be the only way I can think of to relate the vibrant yet dire life in Haiti. I was remembering the scene from the movie The Matrix Reloaded when all of the people have gathered in the great cavern and they begin to dance. I can imagine this scene taking place in Haiti. This scene shows those gathered celebrating though they are encased in political and economic struggle for survival the likes of which the people of Haiti know too well.