The Foundation "Connaissance et Liberté-FOKAL" supports the production of a documentary film of the director Richard Sénécal on the situation and the living conditions of Haitian students in the Dominican Republic. This documentary film, temporarily titled "Malpasse", will be filmed over a period of nine months on both sides of the border and in cities like Port-au-Prince, Cap Haitien, Jérémie, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

The director is interested by this migration flow of young Haitians, which finds its origin in the ongoing political crisis that continues in Haiti and the near-bankruptcy of the Haitian education system. These young people, most of whom are middle class of Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien with an education level at least equal than their Dominicans colleagues, they pay higher studies in medicine, engineering, architecture etc... Through this documentary, they will be followed in their quest for better training, a better future. Their economic problems, of integration and perception from their Dominicans peers will be also discussed.

With "Malpasse, " Richard Senecal will look beyond the simple issue of Haitian students in the Dominican Republic. The film will attempt to overcome among others the old quarrels, the Haitian occupation of the island and the thorny issue of bateys to show that the "live together" across the differences, prejudice and the weight of history is still possible.

Richard Senecal is a director. In 20 years of professional experience, he has directed several films, documentaries, commercials and music videos. He is best known for having produced dramas like "Barikad" and "Cousines".

Article by HL/ HaitiLibre / FOKAL