History is written by the victors. It’s an old saying, but one that rings true, especially in the case of Haiti.

“It’s very important that we utilize the power of film to change Haiti’s narrative, and tell our own stories,” Regine Roumain, executive director of the Haitian Cultural Exchange (HCX) said. From May 9 to May 12, HCX will host their 2nd annual Haiti Film Fest in New York.

Film is a very powerful medium that attracts a lot of different audiences, Roumain said. We decided to take up our own space and start telling our own stories, all the while providing a platform for artists to share their creations.

“One of the reasons we felt it was important to have the festival was so we could provide a community-led, alternative distribution channel here in New York,” she said. “Our aim is to preserve, celebrate and cultivate emerging artists for the Haitian community.”

The 2-day free festival will take place at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, with an opening reception on Thursday, May 9 featuring a special performance by Emeline Michel. Twenty-one films will be featured, including “Toussaint Louverture” with Jimmy Jean-Louis.

The festival will offer a range of films including work from students of the Cine Institute, Haiti’s first and only and film school.

Sponsors include, Digicel, Emblem Health, Radio Soliel, Yelp and Amour Creole.

For more information, visit HCX

Click here for a listing of screenings and times.