Artistide And The Endless Revolution

This film effectively takes apart the Bush Administration's rationale for supporting the February 2004 coup in which democratically-elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was removed from Haiti in what Aristide describes as "a modern-day coup". This film eschews the false "objectivity" of corporate news (which is careful to avoid anything which might offend the powerful), and it definitely has a point of view: its sympathies lie with the poor majority of Haitians who since their homeland became the first independent black republic in 1804 have repeatedly been screwed by the superpower to the North (see Paul Farmer's excellent history "The Uses of Haiti", the seminal book on the US exploitation of Haiti). The film lets the facts speak for themselves, and lets anti-Aristide hardliners in the Bush Administration like Roger Noriega argue their case for supporting the removal of a constitutional government. The arguments are about as convincing as the various excuses for launching the Iraq war, and an extensive on-camera interview with Aristide (in exile in South Africa)clarifies how the Washington-backed propaganda campaign twisted basic facts and repeated lies while paramilitaries attacked from the Dominican Republic.

Rossier's film vividly chronicles the rise and fall of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected president; from Catholic priest to demagogue; from liberation theologian to cult figure; from populist president to political pariah.

Through even-handed interviews with high-powered supporters and opponents of Aristide, Rossier is able to remain objective. However, recent revelations about the CIA, the Haiti Democracy Project, and the International Republican Institute's involvement in Haitian politics buoy the film's integrity to a level of clairvoyance, helping us understand the events precipitating Aristide's removal from office.

By interweaving Haiti's history throughout the film, Rossier blends context with current events. In the end, we clearly see Haiti as a nation so depleted of resources, it can no longer press for justice in the international arena. The film is a must-see for anyone unfamiliar but intrigued with the process by which the U.S. and other colonial powers have historically maintained control over underdeveloped nations.

Director Nicolas Rossier tells the story of Haiti's struggle for independence in his brilliant feature documentary. Interviews with leaders on both sides of the fence and historical background going back to the French conquest weave a compelling and well-balanced narrative. "ARISTIDE and the Endless Revolution" is a must see for anyone interested in how politics, human rights, and justice can be manipulated and undermined.