THE AGRONOMIST
(Demme / 2003 / USA / 90 mins / 35mm / cert 12A)
(Sat 8th-Wed 12th / 2pm (Sat-Sun) 7pm (all days) / £4/3/2ttt)

We are excited to be screening the regional premiere is this wonderfully watchable though heavyweight documentary that tells the tragic story of the civil rights struggles in Haiti, through the life of Jean Dominique. An indymedia pioneer, he commissioned the first Haitian film productions, and then moved his attention to broadcasting- spearheading a news network for the island that offered reliable local news in an era of intence civil unrest. His was truly a voice of the people, broadcasting anti-establishment messages in Creole. The man's explosive energy and enigmatic character are conveyed through the interviews conducted with the director JOHNATHAN DEMME during his seven years in exile, along with a wealth of archive footage,

THE AGRONOMIST goes some way in sketching out a frank account of the history of the chronic coups that plagued Haiti for decades- and seemingly continue to. However, the dramatic emphasis reflects not only on Haiti, but on Iraq and countless other countries that have witnessed the bloodshed that is part and parcel of outside influence in political struggle. This documentary shows that Dominique spent his days trying to realise the potential for social revolution in his country - as a gardener tils his land, hopeing it will flourish. Moving, inspirational, and entertaining; with soundtrack provided by Wyclef Jean and Jerry "Wonder" Duplessis that is ubiquitous, yet unobtrusive.