The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti

The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti is a documentary that explores a Haitian filmmaker revisiting the U.S. occupation of Haiti and his grandparents’ legacy. The film unravels the paradox of a man who longed for American rule and a nation scarred by the power the United States had wielded.

The filmmakers waste no time, instantly compelling the viewer into the narrative with its relentless pacing, which is a significant positive, although it acts as a detriment to certain aspects of the piece. Despite how overwhelming the experience can be at times, the filmmakers interview a wide range of individuals, including journalists and historians with extensive knowledge surrounding the Haitian revolution. These individuals shed a harsh light on the shocking discoveries of the past and on the atrocities committed by American politicians, keeping the narrative consistently enthralling. Many of the themes the filmmakers tackle, such as the sickening ideologies of the men in power, may really get under the viewer's skin due to how disturbing and inhumane their actions are. Another pivotal aspect is the social commentary regarding the Jim Crow South era, which had a profound impact on the Haitian community and people of colour around the 1890s up until the 1960s. The documentary does not shy away from the themes of generational trauma, giving it a compelling and engaging feel whilst highlighting important social issues.

One of the most captivating aspects of the documentary is the plethora of striking archival footage intertwined with the current-day interviews. It's an incredibly visceral way to sink its teeth into the viewer by presenting historical figures or pivotal moments in Haitian culture. A uniquely comedic aspect the filmmakers employ is presenting integral people of power or importance in the narrative, such as Donald Trump, with text under them poking fun at their absurd actions or ideologies. The musical score is haunting and propulsive, accompanying the shocking imagery and discoveries made around the military’s actions. Unfortunately, there is a minor lack of footage during the Jim Crow South era due to the horrific actions happening in remote areas; however, the filmmakers did an incredible job providing enough context on how the Haitian community was impacted. While it may be too bloated with the amount of material covered, it's an insightful and thought-provoking piece of filmmaking that evokes discussion about Haitian culture.

The Haitian revolution has rarely been depicted within cinema, and the documentary filmmakers showcase their distinct passion and knowledge for the material to be as raw and uncompromising as it is. While the conclusion to the piece feels somewhat rushed and anticlimactic, it's an emotionally cathartic way to wrap things up that explores regret and never leaving your family's legacy behind. It's a deeply educational piece that leaves the viewer with crucial material to chew on after the credits roll.

The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti is a daring piece of documentary filmmaking that exposes the disturbing U.S. occupation of Haiti. Anchored by its pulse-pounding pacing that never lets up until the very end, and the wide variety of historical context that is provided in its brisk runtime, The Forgotten Occupation is a powerful body of work that sheds light on an underrepresented culture.