‘Jollywood’ film school shines spotlight on Haiti’

Following the lead of ‘Bollywood’ in India and ‘Nollywood’ in Nigeria, ‘Jollywood’ hopes to become a center for filmmaking and film education in Haiti.

New York-Jollywood is a merry-sounding name for the home of Haiti’s only film school: the Ciné Institute. That sense of promise will be showcased Jan. 24 in New York City during Haiti Optimiste, the school’s first ever fundraiser.

The institute has come to one of the world’s media capitals, New York, to solicit funds and publicize its work. “We felt this was a cause coherent with the cultural mission we are promoting here in New York. We felt we should really support the school,” says Marie-Monique Steckel, president of French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF).

Three years after a strong earthquake devastated Haiti, the school has made great strides. But many challenges persist. The country has few local industries, scant natural resources, and much of its infrastructure remains in disrepair. Yet, through a combination of perseverance and generosity, Ciné Institute stands ready to celebrate.

The New York event, Haiti Optimiste, will feature a collection of new films from Ciné Institute’s students. Actor Ben Stiller, director Jonathan Demme, and Ciné Institute founder David Belle will participate in a panel discussion about recent films. Bravo’s Top Chef contestant chef Ron Duprat will be on hand, as well as Haitian songstress Emeline Michel and celebrity fashion photographer Marc Baptiste.

The fundraiser is as much about building awareness as it is financial support, says Mr. Belle, CEO of Artists for Peace and Justice and founder of Ciné Institute. Funds raised will be applied toward free tuition at Ciné Institute… Read more here

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2012

CROWING ROOSTER ARTS, INC. RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES
FOR HAITI’S CINÉ INSTITUTE

New York, NY – Crowing Rooster Arts, Inc, a registered 501(c)3 and US fiscal agent for Ciné Institute, Haiti’s only film school, has received a $10, 000 grant from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Institutional Grants Program assists in fostering educational activities between the public and the film industry while encouraging the appreciation of motion pictures as both an art form and a vocation.

The $10, 000 grant will go to support Ciné Institute’s film studies and technical training program for Haitian youth between the ages of 18 and 35 which forms employable film creatives and technicians for the Haitian and international market through theoretical and practical teaching and experiences. Ciné Institute also offers graduates access to film-related employment and income generating opportunities.

“The grant is a tremendous gift that we appreciate deeply. The support from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will allow us to continue to offer our life changing program,” says Founder David Belle.

This is the second grant Crowing Rooster Arts, Inc has received from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In 2010, CRA received $5,700, which also went to support Ciné Institute’s life changing programs.

About the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1927 by 36 of the most influential men and women in the motion picture industry at the time, the Academy is an honorary membership organization whose ranks now include more than 6,000 artists and professionals. Dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures, the Academy’s corporate management and general policies are overseen by a Board of Governors, which includes representatives from each of the craft branches.

About Ciné Institute

Ciné Institute brings together local and international leaders in film and education to grow Haiti’s film industry. We believe Haiti’s future lies in the hands of its youth. We aim to foster the economic and social revival of the nation by providing young people with access to a university film program and new employment opportunities. For more information about Ciné Institute visit our website at:
www.cineinstitute.com

About Crowing Rooster Arts, Inc.

Crowing Rooster Arts, Inc. uses multiple media platforms to defend human rights, and promote and preserve traditional culture, mainly in Haiti. CRA is a founding partner of Ciné Institute and annually helps to finance and support portions of their programs.

Contact:
Leslie Norville
info@cineinstitute.com

Cine Institute is set to co-host STONES IN THE SUN, screening this April at Tribeca Film Festival. Check out their calendars for the screenings of this impassioned and penetrating feature film by Haitian director Patricia Benoit.

We are proud to announce that our student’s documentary about life in a Haitian refugee camp will premiere at IDFA in Amsterdam next month. It’s considered one of the leading documentary festivals in the world.
This collective film was made by a group of amazing students who lived for months in a camp amongst thousands of people displaced by the earthquake.
See trailer here

Institute students Donald Charles and Jean Bernard Bayard travelled to France to screen their shorts films at the 33rd Edition of the Festival de Cinéma de Douarnenez.

Download pdf of article >>

Watch all ARTE videos about Ciné Institute and Jacmel here >>

Keziah Jean & Annie Nocenti presented the documentary about life in a tent camp, MASWIFE, by Cine Institute, to the Council on Foreign Relations Global Kids program.

Global Kids website and program >>

Read Article in Balkan Insight Here. >>