Papa Machete
by Jonathan David Kane
Haiti, 2014
synopsis
Two hundred years ago, the slaves of Haiti defeated Napoleon’s armies in the historic revolution of 1791-1804. One of their weapons was the very tool they used to work the land: the machete. Papa Machete explores the esoteric martial art through the practice and life of a farmer named Alfred Avril. The short film documents his proud devotion to his heritage in the face of increased globalization, and his efforts to keep this mysterious art alive.
The film premiered had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (’14) and it’s US premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (’15).
The film was produced by Jason Fitzroy Jeffers (Barbados) and Keisha Rae Witherspoon (Jamaica), of Third Horizon Media.
about the directors
Jonathan David Kane is an artist and filmmaker from Miami, FL. His work has been exhibited at festivals, museums, and venues worldwide including Sundance, TIFF, Sheffield Doc Fest, Clermont-Ferrand, the New World Symphony, Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Lowe Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum.
