Now in its third season, “AfroPoP” transports viewers into the lives of men and women in the contemporary African Diaspora. The Other Side of the Water: The Journey of a Haitian Rara Band is one of two films that chronicle the Haitian experience in the riveting series. –yvette caslin
The Other Side of the Water‘s director and co-producer Jeremy Robins and co-producer Magali Damas discuss their film that looks at the Haitian musical genre known as rara, along with the obstacles and prejudices many Haitian immigrants have faced as they tried to assimilate into American society. Damas is currently based in Haiti and speaks about the current relief efforts at the end of the interview.
What do you hope this feature will convey to viewers?
Our hope is that the viewer walks away with a better understanding [of] this aspect of Haitian culture, music and tradition. We also hope that they [will] be able to see the struggle of immigrants adapting to a new environment while keeping their own culture alive.
What emotions did you feel when you were working on this feature?
M.D.: The main emotion for me was a sense of pride in being American and Haitian, because my culture found a place to exist in the U.S., while keeping our traditions alive.
J.R.: Making any documentary engenders a lot of frustration, but for me the main emotion was amazement at what we were finding. … I was constantly shocked at how deep the story of this one band went, and how it connected to the history of New York, and really the history of the Americas.
Do you think enough has been done to help the people of Haiti or what do you think should be done differently?
M.D.: Although, the response was quick and it helped a lot of people, the sheer fact that the country’s infrastructure was near[ly] nonexistent made it very difficult for aid to reach everyone. The onset of cholera and the political situation has made the donors hesitate to give more, or even fulfill their promises. Hopefully, things can calm down soon. At that point, donors should; work more with small, local organizations and nonprofits; talk with the people in the area and survey what they need and want; work with local and international professionals to set up standards; and most importantly should set up a strict accounting system to assure a transparency about the funds given. A lot of progress can be made by organizations that do these things.
Season three of “AfroPoP” premieres on public television stations that carry the World channel (a 24-hour documentary channel) on Jan. 12, 2011, and runs for five consecutive weeks, concluding on Feb. 9. Episodes air at 7 p.m. (EST). Encore airings will show at midnight (EST) and 9 p.m. (PST). Viewers can find content specifically on Haiti at www.blackpublicmedia.org.
