THE AGRONOMIST (2002)

Cast

Plot

The extraordinary life of Jean Dominique, an educated Haitian who ran Radio Haiti, which, by broadcasting the truth, provided the focus of opposition to various venomous and corrupt regimes, Papa Doc, Baby Doc, the US run military et al, across a period of over 30 years. Jean is a charismatic protagonist, his personal history colourful not only for his long, evidently satisfying career, his family and his similarly courageous and committed wife Michèle Montas, but for how it intersects with and influences the history of Haiti itself. After a spell in Paris enjoying the nouvelle vague, he returned home to direct films of his own and open a cinema club, inspiring other would-be local auteurs. By broadcasting international news, he heightened awareness among many Haitians of developments in the world outside.