The Forgotten Occupation is a fascinating history documentary. Alain Martin showcases over a decade of work, diving deep into the past century of Haitian/American relations. Using a letter to his deceased grandfather as a frame and a touchstone, Martin skillfully weaves together a comprehensive tale of colonialism and betrayal, succinctly explaining the roots of the current economic and political struggles of the island nation. Using memory and familial attachment as a mode of exploring the country of his birth, Martin is able to touch on culture and race easily, often imagining how his grandfather would react to the politics of rebel leaders and American servicemen. In a way, a large part of the documentary is Martin coming to terms with his grandfather’s reactionary beliefs. This in turn leads to a deeper examination of the men selected by the US Military to rule Haiti and the men who tried to pull their strings.
Naturally, this documentary about oppression and resistance in Haiti touches on some very violent moments, and it does include some imagery that won’t be suitable for all audiences. These moments, however, are fleeting and well-tied to the subjects being discussed: Alain Martin does an impeccable job avoiding pure shock and violence for the sake of violence. To Date, The Forgotten Occupation is the best Haitian history documentary I’ve seen. Informative, experimental, and multi-faceted, it will appeal to a broad range of documentary lovers.
The Forgotten Occupation would be equally at home in a college classroom or on documentary shelves in a public library. Martin’s tie-ins with his memories and his letter to his grandfather make the film flow as smoothly as silk, making it easy for the viewer to identify with the subjects, both historical and the other Haitians and historians Martin includes in some segments. Just as a documentary, The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti is a masterclass in how to inform with film, and it being such a comprehensive yet accessible source of information about Haitian history more than doubles that value. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
How can The Forgotten Occupation be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
The Forgotten Occupation could be an essential addition to public libraries’ collections, especially in sections dedicated to history, documentaries, or racial studies. The film offers a deep, accessible dive into Haitian history and the complex dynamics of Haitian-American relations, which would make it an excellent resource for patrons interested in global history, colonialism, and cultural studies. The Forgotten Occupation has a personal narrative approach and emotional storytelling that could resonate with a diverse audience, including those interested in genealogy, immigration, and post-colonial studies. Libraries could use the film to foster discussions on the topics of oppression, resistance, and the African diaspora
What college courses and majors could benefit from using The Forgotten Occupation?
The Forgotten Occupation could be an invaluable resource for various college courses, including:
- History: Particularly for courses focusing on Caribbean history, colonialism, and Haitian history, as the film provides a detailed, personal perspective on the political and economic struggles in Haiti.
- Political Science: The film explores the intersection of American interventionism and Haiti’s political system, making it a suitable addition to courses about international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and Caribbean politics.
- Sociology: The documentary touches on race, culture, and the consequences of colonialism, making it beneficial for students studying race relations, identity, and social movements.
- Anthropology: The focus on memory, culture, and identity in Haiti offers insights into cultural anthropology, particularly in terms of how history and memory shape national and individual identities.
- Film Studies: The film’s narrative style, experimental approach, and use of personal storytelling could serve as a case study for analyzing documentary filmmaking techniques.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use The Forgotten Occupation in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use The Forgotten Occupation in educational initiatives that focus on multicultural understanding, global history, and social justice. The film could be screened at community centers to promote discussions on the impacts of colonialism and U.S. interventionism. In addition, it could serve as a starting point for workshops or events that highlight the importance of cultural heritage, historical memory, and the role of resistance movements. Parks and Rec could also collaborate with local historians or experts to facilitate discussions that connect the historical events of Haiti with current social and political issues.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening The Forgotten Occupation?
To screen The Forgotten Occupation in public settings, such as libraries, community centers, or at events hosted by Parks and Recreation programs, Public Performance Rights (PPR) must be secured. This can be done by contacting the film’s distributor or rights holder to acquire the necessary license. The PPR will vary based on the venue, size of the audience, and whether the screening is free or ticketed. Obtaining PPR ensures that the screening complies with copyright law and protects the rights of the filmmakers. Without these rights, public screenings could result in legal complications.
How could The Forgotten Occupation enhance special events on college campuses?
The Forgotten Occupation could be an excellent centerpiece for special events on college campuses, particularly those focusing on history, social justice, or political activism. The film could be shown during Black History Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, or as part of a series on the impacts of colonialism and U.S. interventionism. It could also be a key feature in film festivals or events focusing on documentaries or human rights. The personal, reflective nature of the film would spark conversations among students about family, history, race, and resistance, making it a powerful tool for community building and critical discourse on campus.
Why is The Forgotten Occupation a strong candidate for movie licensing?
The Forgotten Occupation is a strong candidate for movie licensing due to its educational and historical value. The film’s thorough exploration of Haitian history and its intersection with American policies makes it an essential resource for schools, libraries, and institutions focused on social studies and political science. Additionally, the personal narrative approach, combined with its exploration of cultural identity and resistance, would make it appealing to documentary lovers and academic audiences alike. Its multi-faceted, informative nature and emotional storytelling give it potential for licensing on streaming platforms, educational distribution networks, and academic resources.