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Lakaywood, a New Name for the Film Industry and the Haitian Cinema
Inspired by Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood, the first Lakaywood International Film Festival in Haiti was a Success under the Theme âHaiti, a Story to Tell.â
CAP-HAITIAN, HAITI, September 1, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Haitian film producer and organizer, Pierrot Mervilier, brought together movie lovers, filmmakers, actors, and actresses to celebrate Cap-Haïtienâs 354th anniversary with the inaugural edition of the Lakaywood Film Festival. This event marked the birth of "Lakaywood," a new name for the Haitian film industry, inspired by Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood. The festival was a resounding success under the theme, "Haiti, a Story to Tell."
The initiative was warmly welcomed by the local community, with strong support from the local government. Cap-Haïtienâs Mayor, Mrs. Yvrose Pierre, expressed her desire to make the Lakaywood Film Festival an annual tradition, while Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor suggested using the front of City Hall to showcase films to the public for free, given the lack of cinemas in the country. He emphasized the importance of providing positive entertainment options for youth, many of whom are vulnerable to gang activities due to the absence of healthy leisure programs.
The festival highlighted the dire state of Haiti's cinematic infrastructure, with the iconic Versailles Cine in Cap-Haïtien now serving as a church instead of a movie theater. Pierrot Mervilier sees Lakaywood as the best socio-economic and cultural tools to offer Haitian youth a pathway out of poverty, enabling them to achieve dignity and financial freedom.
Hollywood produces over 730 movies annually, contributing more than $5 billion to the U.S. economy. Bollywood, with 1,256 films each year, adds $2 billion to Indiaâs economy. Nollywood, producing 2,500 films annually, plays a crucial role in providing social mobility to over 1 million African youth, helping them rise from poverty to the middle class.
Since the birth of cinema, Haiti has been in the spotlight. A representative of the Lumière Brothers visited Haiti and organized the first public screening in Port-au-Prince, at the famous Catholic school âPetit Séminaire College Saint-Martial,â on December 14, 1899. Since then, Haitian cinema has had its ups and downs. Hollywood left its mark in 1988 with the horror film "The Serpent and the Rainbow", starring Bill Pullman, based on a book about a Haitian story and shot partly in Cap-Haïtien. However, local filmmakers made strides, leading to the creation and the naming of "Lakaywood" as the Haitian film industry. This development represents a significant step forward for Haitian cinema, symbolizing hope and potential for the future.
Jimmy Jean-Louis, a renowned Haitian actor, proudly stands as a Lakaywood Star. His impressive career spans across major film industries, including Hollywood, Nollywood, and most recently, Bollywood, where he starred in "The Goat Life." Haiti can proudly claim him as one of its finest, representing the nation's talent on a global stage.
These film industries not only entertain but also drive significant economic and social change in their respective regions.
As a call to action, the Lakaywood Foundation, led by CEO Pierrot Mervilier, is launching a nationwide film contest, inviting all 146 municipalities in Haiti to produce a feature film or documentary for next yearâs festival. The foundation promises to provide technical assistance to those interested in participating.
Stay tuned for more information about the contest and the Lakaywood Film Festival. This is your chance to shineâwho knows, you might be the next Lakaywood star!
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Pierrot Mervilier
Lakaywood Media
+1 305-896-5706
info@lakaywood.com
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Inspired by Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood, the first Lakaywood International Film Festival in Haiti was a Success under the Theme âHaiti, a Story to Tell.â
CAP-HAITIAN, HAITI, September 1, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Haitian film producer and organizer, Pierrot Mervilier, brought together movie lovers, filmmakers, actors, and actresses to celebrate Cap-Haïtienâs 354th anniversary with the inaugural edition of the Lakaywood Film Festival. This event marked the birth of "Lakaywood," a new name for the Haitian film industry, inspired by Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood. The festival was a resounding success under the theme, "Haiti, a Story to Tell."
The initiative was warmly welcomed by the local community, with strong support from the local government. Cap-Haïtienâs Mayor, Mrs. Yvrose Pierre, expressed her desire to make the Lakaywood Film Festival an annual tradition, while Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor suggested using the front of City Hall to showcase films to the public for free, given the lack of cinemas in the country. He emphasized the importance of providing positive entertainment options for youth, many of whom are vulnerable to gang activities due to the absence of healthy leisure programs.
The festival highlighted the dire state of Haiti's cinematic infrastructure, with the iconic Versailles Cine in Cap-Haïtien now serving as a church instead of a movie theater. Pierrot Mervilier sees Lakaywood as the best socio-economic and cultural tools to offer Haitian youth a pathway out of poverty, enabling them to achieve dignity and financial freedom.
Hollywood produces over 730 movies annually, contributing more than $5 billion to the U.S. economy. Bollywood, with 1,256 films each year, adds $2 billion to Indiaâs economy. Nollywood, producing 2,500 films annually, plays a crucial role in providing social mobility to over 1 million African youth, helping them rise from poverty to the middle class.
Since the birth of cinema, Haiti has been in the spotlight. A representative of the Lumière Brothers visited Haiti and organized the first public screening in Port-au-Prince, at the famous Catholic school âPetit Séminaire College Saint-Martial,â on December 14, 1899. Since then, Haitian cinema has had its ups and downs. Hollywood left its mark in 1988 with the horror film "The Serpent and the Rainbow", starring Bill Pullman, based on a book about a Haitian story and shot partly in Cap-Haïtien. However, local filmmakers made strides, leading to the creation and the naming of "Lakaywood" as the Haitian film industry. This development represents a significant step forward for Haitian cinema, symbolizing hope and potential for the future.
Jimmy Jean-Louis, a renowned Haitian actor, proudly stands as a Lakaywood Star. His impressive career spans across major film industries, including Hollywood, Nollywood, and most recently, Bollywood, where he starred in "The Goat Life." Haiti can proudly claim him as one of its finest, representing the nation's talent on a global stage.
These film industries not only entertain but also drive significant economic and social change in their respective regions.
As a call to action, the Lakaywood Foundation, led by CEO Pierrot Mervilier, is launching a nationwide film contest, inviting all 146 municipalities in Haiti to produce a feature film or documentary for next yearâs festival. The foundation promises to provide technical assistance to those interested in participating.
Stay tuned for more information about the contest and the Lakaywood Film Festival. This is your chance to shineâwho knows, you might be the next Lakaywood star!
###
Pierrot Mervilier
Lakaywood Media
+1 305-896-5706
info@lakaywood.com
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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cecil jenkins
September 4, 2024 at 3:48 pm
In conclusion, Lakaywood represents a transformative movement in the Haitian film industry, igniting hope and revitalization for local cinema. With the successful launch of the Lakaywood Film Festival, Haiti is on a promising path to not only enhance its cultural narrative but also empower its youth through creative expression. The festival’s theme, “Haiti, a Story to Tell,” underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping a nation’s identity and providing socio-economic opportunities. As Lakaywood fosters talent and encourages participation from all corners of the country, it has the potential to become a cornerstone of Haitian culture and a beacon of possibility for future generations. The journey has just begun, and Lakaywood is poised to become a vital force in both the artistic and economic landscapes of Haiti.
ricky brooks
September 4, 2024 at 4:25 pm
In conclusion, Lakaywood represents a transformative movement for the Haitian film industry, rekindling its rich cinematic heritage while paving the way for future growth and creative expression. The success of the inaugural Lakaywood Film Festival underlines the passion and potential within Haiti’s filmmaking community, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a means to empower youth, foster socio-economic development, and cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape. Through initiatives like the nationwide film contest, Lakaywood is not only creating opportunities for emerging talents but also re-establishing Haiti as a significant player in the global cinema arena. With strong community support and visionary leadership, the future of Haitian cinema looks promising, offering hope and inspiration for generations to come.
Stan Jenkins
September 4, 2024 at 4:28 pm
In conclusion, Lakaywood represents a transformative moment for the Haitian film industry, emerging as a beacon of hope and creativity. The success of the inaugural Lakaywood International Film Festival has not only highlighted Haiti’s rich cinematic potential but also offered a platform for local talent to flourish and tell their stories. With strong community and governmental support, Lakaywood seeks to empower Haitian youth, providing them with opportunities for economic advancement and cultural expression. As the initiative grows, it promises to foster a vibrant film culture that can uplift communities and inspire future generations, making a significant impact on Haiti’s socio-economic landscape. This is just the beginning for Lakaywood, and the future looks bright for Haitian cinema.
Jenny Bailey
September 4, 2024 at 8:48 pm
In conclusion, Lakaywood represents a pivotal moment for the Haitian film industry, serving as a beacon of hope and cultural pride. The successful launch of the Lakaywood Film Festival underscores the community’s commitment to fostering local talent and storytelling. With the support of local government and the initiative to engage youth through film, Lakaywood has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Haiti. By empowering filmmakers and providing a platform for their narratives, Lakaywood not only aims to revitalize the cinematic scene but also to inspire a new generation to rise above challenges, ultimately paving the way for a prosperous future. As the festival becomes an annual tradition, it offers an exciting opportunity for both established and aspiring artists to share Haiti’s rich stories with the world.
Nicole Adams
September 5, 2024 at 2:12 pm
In conclusion, Lakaywood represents a transformative movement within the Haitian film industry, revitalizing the nation’s cinematic landscape and offering a platform for local talent to shine. With the successful launch of the Lakaywood Film Festival, there is a renewed sense of hope for the future of Haitian cinema, emphasizing storytelling that resonates with the nation’s rich culture and experiences. This initiative not only aims to uplift the artistic community but also serves as a vital socio-economic tool, empowering Haitian youth and providing them with pathways out of poverty. As Lakaywood continues to grow and inspire new filmmakers, it stands poised to make a lasting impact, echoing the successes of other major film industries around the world. The call to action for a nationwide film contest further reinforces Lakaywood’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, encouraging all Haitians to engage in the vibrant storytelling tradition. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Haiti’s cinematic journey.
Perry Bailey
September 6, 2024 at 6:45 am
Lakaywood represents a transformative chapter in the evolution of Haitian cinema, fostering both cultural pride and economic opportunity. The successful initiation of the Lakaywood International Film Festival underlines the commitment to showcase Haitian stories and talents, bridging the gap between local filmmakers and global audiences. By providing a platform for artistic expression, Lakaywood is not only enriching Haiti’s cultural landscape but also offering its youth a vital pathway out of poverty. With continued support and collaboration, Lakaywood has the potential to become a beacon of creativity and hope, driving significant change in the lives of many. The future looks promising as this new name in film continues to inspire and uplift the Haitian community.