Following news that Haitian President Jovenel Moïse had been assassinated, Montreal’s Festival Haïti en Folie decided to change course a little, toning down the fanfare planned to celebrate the festival’s 15th anniversary and changing part of the program to offer some activities free of charge online as a show of support and solidarity with the Haitian people in these difficult times.
As Haiti is plunged into social, political and economic chaos, this quote by Dany Laferrière is especially fitting: “When everything is falling apart in Haiti, Arts and Culture still stand strong” (translation). We wish to share the warm arts and culture with our people and friends of Haiti this year.
Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by TD Bank Group, Festival Haiti en Folie is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a memorable and symbolic program. The event will take place from July 26 to August 1, 2021, online, outdoors, and indoors, at Cabaret Lion d’Or and Quartier des spectacles. This year’s honorary president is none other than the great Dany Laferrière, legendary author and member of the Académie française. Music, film, dance, theatre, discussions, aperitifs, and an architectural exhibition (Mapping) are all part of this year’s program.
Under the theme of 15 ans du Festival Haïti en Folie: souvenirs, bilan et regard vers l’avenir, a bold and festive program brought to you just as lockdown restrictions begin to be lifted will open your eyes to Haitian culture in all its authenticity. Guests include Dany Laferrière, Dominique Anglade, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Rodney St-Éloi, Mayor Valérie Plante, Isabelle Racicot, Alexandra Diaz, Sylvie Desgroseilliers and Yole Dérose, and local artists such as Rebecca Jean, Rara Soley,Patrice Dauphin, Mélissa Dauphin, Malicious, Marina Mathieu, Stella Lemaine, Sara-Claudia Ligondé, Alexa Carrénard, Myriam Charles and many others.
Some events will be free of charge; festival goers can purchase a pass at the discount price of $29 (plus taxes and fees) to gain access to the full program of online activities. Individual tickets may also be purchased for indoor concerts.
**NEW** KICK-OFF: MAPPING AT QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES
Wilder et BAnQ buildings (Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 1435, rue de Bleury & 475, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est)
Free architectural exhibition from July 26 to August 1, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Details (in French only)
Presented by the Ville de Montréal and the Quartier des spectacles
Alongside its regular activities, the 15th Festival Haïti en Folie offers to the downtown Montreal’s citizens and visitors a contemplative activity free of charge at the Quartier des spectacles. A video and sound installation commemorating Haitian culture on voodoo rhythms and acknowledging Laferrière’s 35-year incredible background, which has had a deep impact on Quebec and the festival’s very existence, will be projected on the front of the BAnQ and Wilder buildings.
**NEW** THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
Free online videos from July 27 to August 1, 6:30 p.m. Details (in French only)
Presented by the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ)
Each day, as part of a happy-hour session, a Haitian-style Apéro SAQ video will be presented online and free of charge. Quebec personalities representing a wide range of backgrounds, such as Isabelle Racicot, Alexandra Diaz, Dany Laferrière, and Mayor Valérie Plante, will prepare a typical Haitian alcohol-based cocktail provided by SAQ. Guests will talk about their connection with Haitian culture with Fabienne Colas, Festival Haïti en Folie founder. Together, they will prepare a typical cocktail that recalls the culture of this country.
OUTDOOR CINEMA
Free film screening on July 29, 9 p.m., Place de la Paix, 1201 Saint-Laurent Blvd.
In partnership with the Société des arts et technologiques (SAT)
The festival will present an outdoor film under a cheerfulness theme. Dany Laferrière’s Comment conquérir l’Amérique en une nuit (How to Conquer America in One Night) will be shown at the Place de la Paix. The movie features, among others, Didier Lucien, Michel Mpambara, Maka Kotto, Widemir Normil, Sophie Faucher, Sonia Vachon, Maxime Morin, and Fabienne Colas.
Directed by Dany Laferrière, Canada | 2004 | 96 minutes
Fanfan and Gégé have finally met up again in Montreal after more than twenty years apart. Over a pleasant dinner with female company, these two great friends from Haiti discuss their life and fantasies, while on the television—an ever-present ironic character in itself—celebrities paint an amusing picture of North American society. Within the space of one night that takes an unexpected turn, Fanfan and Gégé will, in their own way, try to conquer America. Will conquering a blonde woman be enough to conquer America?
Tickets: Free reservation with SAT required.
INDOOR CONCERTS
SATURDAY, JULY 31
5 p.m.: New EP launch by Rebecca Jean at Cabaret du Lion d’Or. FREE
Click here to attend the concert
“Haïbécoise,” the new EP by Rebecca Jean, fuses the cultures of Haiti and Quebec. The rhythm of spoons and drums carries us away into insightful poetry depicting the richness of multiculturalism.
Versatile artist with a refined talent, Rebecca Jean has signed a number of projects as a songwriter, singer and director. Using mature and evocative texts, Jean reaches the depths of the soul in song through heartfelt poetry and a unique niche. She knows how to tale herself and us elegantly and with subtlety.
8 p.m.: Vodou and Roots show with Rara Soley and guest artists. $25 (plus taxes and fees)
Tickets on sale here
Rara Soley’s main mission is to promote and preserve traditional Haitian culture. The group’s goal is to present and keep alive ancestral songs and rhythms from the Vodou tradition. Rara Soley’s music is full of new sounds that combine tanbou, vaksin, graj scraper, maracas and vocals, making music that touches the soul and creating an electric and very intense therapeutic atmosphere where ancestral spirits are not afraid to manifest themselves. Rara music has its roots in traditional Haitian peasantry and is based on the lakou (sacred courtyards). In extension to the Haitian population, Rara combines the African and indigenous heritage.
TD BANK GROUP ONLINE EVENTS:
CONCERTS, ROUNDTABLE AND LITERARY DISCUSSIONS
TUESDAY, JULY 27
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
CINEMA : RETROSPECTIVE OF SEVERAL FILMS
As of Tuesday, July 27, 7 p.m. Online. Pass available for $29 (plus taxes and fees)
Click here
During the 15th Festival Haïti en Folie, we would like to celebrate female Haitian filmmakers, screenwriters and authors who play a part in film creation while giving Quebec and Canada a multiple and colorful identity. Through experimental film, web series and documentaries, the pieces presented reflect neither more, nor less, the reality of a plural and mixed society. A selection of films from the 2019 Being Black in Montreal program of the Fabienne Colas Foundation (Being Black in Canada) will also be available.
Films on the program:
● Comment conquérir l’Amérique en une nuit (How to Conquer America in One Night) by Dany Laferrière, feature fiction film
● Haïti dans tous nos rêves (Haiti in All Our Dreams) by Jean-Daniel Lafond, medium-length documentary
● L’Envol by Marina Mathieu, short documentary
● Vers les colonies (Towards the Colonies) / Une forteresse (A Fortress) / Drei Atlas by Miryam Charles, experimental
● Soupir by Valérie Bah, webseries (three five-minute episodes)
● Bonne figure by Sandra J. Mathieu, webserie (three episodes of five-minute)
● Short documentaries from the 2019 Being Black in Montreal program
o Prendre sa lumière by Stella Lemaine
o Le repos est un droit (Rest Is a Right) by Sara-Claudia Ligondé
o F by Marina Mathieu
o Le dilemme de Ma’ by Alexa Carrénard-Tremblay
*Some films available in Canada only.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
HAITIAN AND CARIBBEAN CUISINE
5 p.m. Online. Free.
Like every year, one highlight of Haïti en Folie is an opportunity to delve back into Haitian cuisine. With traditional dishes such as soup joumou (a symbol of national pride), griot, fried plantains and pikliz, lambi, and tasso de cabri, Haitian cuisine ranks among the world’s best gastronomy. This year, we will honour Haitian cuisine with three professionals from the culinary field. This cuisine and Caribbean cuisine at large will be discussed through a historical and postcolonial lens, with an emphasis on the nutritional and inclusive aspects (as it brings people together) of this outstanding food.
Sabine Daniel, moderator
Jean-Philippe Vézina, market gardener and chief executive officer, Les Jardins Lakou
Marianne Lefebvre, nutritionist, speaker, and international nutrition consultant
Lindsay Brun, chef; founder-owner, Sucre brun
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
THURSDAY, JULY 29
LITERARY DISCUSSION WITH DOMINIQUE ANGLADE
5 p.m. Online. Free.
The 15th Festival Haïti en Folie offers you a one-on-one interview with Dominique Anglade, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, on the subject of her book Ce Québec qui m’habite (2021). This is a sincere and touching autobiography by a party leader who reflects on her career path as a politician, her aspirations, her family relationships and the strong ties she has always had with Quebec. A 60-minute interview hosted by Marina Mathieu.
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
TRIBUTE DOCUMENTARY TO YOLE DÉROSE
7 p.m. Online. Free.
A documentary about the legendary Haitian artist, singer, and producer Yole Dérose who was honoured on March 21, 2015, for her invaluable contribution to culture and art of her country.
FRIDAY, JULY 30
LITERARY DISCUSSION WITH MICHAËLLE JEAN: TRIBUTE TO RENÉ DÉPESTRE
5 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page)
As part of an open discussion with Rodney St-Éloi, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, will pay tribute to her uncle René Dépestre, a great figure of French and Haitian literature.
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
HAÏTI, TERRE DE FEU (PRODUCTIONS YOLE DÉROSE)
7 p.m. Online show (replay). Pass: $29 (plus taxes and fees)
Tickets on sale here
Haiti rises from the ashes with Haïti, Terre de feu (Haiti, Land of Fire) at Tara’s. More than theatre; it’s a step into history with nine acts by Les Productions Yole Dérose. The show beautifully knits together music, poetry, choreography, spirituality and prophecies. These nine acts revive chronologically and emotionally the last half-millennium of the volcanic history of Haiti. From the Golden Age of Red Mulattos to the birth of a brazen Negro nation, bearer of hopes for a true rebirth of peoples who are guardians of the land, masters of rhythm and as stubborn as the Sun.
SATURDAY, JULY 31
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
5 p.m.: New EP launch by Rebecca Jean at Cabaret du Lion d’Or. FREE
Click here to attend the free concert
8 p.m.: Vodou and Roots show with Rara Soley and guest artists. $25 (plus taxes and fees)
Montreal’s Festival Haïti en Folie Tickets on sale here
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
VIDEO: THE SAQ’S HAITIAN APERITIFS WITH FABIENNE COLAS AND GUESTS
6:30 p.m. Online. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page, in French only)
CLOSING SHOW: SYLVIE DESGROSEILLIERS and the CCMM CHOIR
7 p.m. Online replay. Free (on the festival’s Facebook page). Click here for details
In solidarity with and as a tribute to the people in Haiti who are going through a period of social, economic, and political uncertainty, the Festival Haïti en Folie will close with a replay of a once-in-a-lifetime, memorable, fiery gospel evening that took place at the Cabaret du Mile-End a few years ago. This is what Sylvie Desgroseilliers and the CCMM Choir (Conservatoire de musique moderne) hold in store for you. Desgroseilliers alone got 35,000 people on their feet dancing at the Olympic Stadium and will bring you a great night of gospel music with CCMM, an ensemble known for rhythmic diversity under the baton of Emile St-Hilaire.
Montreal’s 15th Festival Haïti en Folie, July 26 to August 1, 2021
For tickets, informations, biographies and artist videos: www.HaitiEnFolie.com
FESTIVAL HAÏTI EN FOLIE: THE MOST VIBRANT FESTIVAL IN TOWN
Created in 2007, the Festival Haïti en Folie is the largest multidisciplinary festival fully devoted to Haitian culture outside Haiti. We invite the public to explore the best of Haitian culture over the course of a week of activities in Montreal. With the help of its many partners, the festival has welcomed renowned artists such as Dany Laferrière, Wyclef Jean, Manno Charlemagne, TiCorn, Boukman Eksperyans, Sylvie Desgroseilliers, Boulo Valcourt, Groupe Vocal Desandann, Marie-Josée Lord, Joujou Turenne, Toto Laraque, Wesli, BIC, Lorraine Klaasen, Sara Rénélik and many others. www.haitienfolie.com
About the Fabienne Colas Foundation
The Fabienne Colas Foundation is the largest Black cultural organization in Canada. Created in 2005, the Foundation is a not-for-profit artistic organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in cinema, art and culture in Canada and beyond. In collaboration with Zaza Production, the Foundation has produced 11 festivals, including the highly popular Black Film Festival of Montreal, the Black Film Festival of Toronto, the Black Film festivals of Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa, and many other successful festivals in Canada, in the United States, in Haiti and in Brazil. These initiatives and festivals have presented and supported over 5,000 artists and drawn over two million festival goers. In addition, the Foundation is behind the Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s biggest incubator dedicated to Black filmmakers, presented by Netflix in collaboration with the National Bank of Canada.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca