The Agronomist [DVD] [2004]

I didn't know anything about Jean Dominique or the struggle in Haiti, but I love watching good documentaries that move me and educate me. And this documentary did just that. A very powerful documentary that draws you in and involves you before you can even tell it's happening.

Sometimes I wasn't entirely sure of the events that had led up to other events, but it almost doesn't matter. There is enough context to know that this is a story of a brave charismatic man, and a brave country fighting for democracy and the right to free speech. It is very moving and although ultimately very sad, to know that there are people in the world like Jean Dominique, and to learn about him, is an ultimately enriching experience.

This is one of the most inspiring documentaries I've ever seen coming from my country. Jean Dominique's unparalleled quest for freedom really made my day and deepened my enormous respect for such idealists. Jonathan Demme creates a film that is no less absorbing and considerably more powerful. The film focuses on Jean Dominique, a Haitian radio station owner, journalist, and tireless human rights activist. Dominique was born to the thin upper crust of Haiti but turned his back on that class to advocate for the poor and landless. Exiled twice to America (in 1980 and 1991), he returned to Haiti both times to press for democracy and land reform. He was assassinated in April 2000, a deep loss for the Haitian people and the world.

The film stitches together interviews Demme did with Jean Dominique over several years. Even from that grainy footage, it is apparent how charismatic Dominique was. His excitement is infectious; when he opens wide his eyes and smiles, we can't help but smile with him. At various stages, he talks about the "risky business" of operating a free radio station in a dictatorship, and we're inspired to undertake our own risky business in search of freedom. What's particularly impressive (and appealing) about Dominique is his indefatigable optimism. But when he talks about the CIA's role in his country, we're reminded of why giving that institution too much power (even in this age of terrorism) might not be such a good thing. His invitation to join his struggle along with his honesty and strength could not be bent. Only bullets could (and did) stop him.

Another extremely touching aspect of his story is the level of bonding they had with his wife. It is such a rarity and such a wonderful thing to happen, that you cannot but feel happy that these two people have met and enjoyed their life together.

"The Agronomist" is far from a perfect film. Demme, who has directed such movies as "Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia," skips over important events and large blocks of time. Those not intimately familiar with Haiti's recent past may find it difficult to keep up. There is also a lack of context at certain points: what role have the various militias played? how has President Aristide affected the country and how has power changed him? By focusing so completely on the charismatic figure of Dominique, the documentary sometimes loses its way.

Still, this is a rare glimpse into a country that's again in the news. As Dominique himself states, "Cinema is a window on to the world...If you see a film correctly, the grammar of the film is a political act."

***Haiti remains the hemisphere's poorest nation, multiply burdened by unforgiving debt as well as increasing inability even to structure or even imagine another, more hopeful future. How sad Dominique would be to see what has happened in the seven years since his murder. And yet, how fiercely and relentlessly he would continue to fight for that hope. Indeed, how fierce and beautiful he remains in this film, a call for resistance against injustices both general and devastatingly specific.****

A very good portrait of a brave and principled individual.
A warm man who cared greatly about his fellow citizens and not just himself.
It was a real shame to lose him.
The film also renders an intriguing portrait of the country of Haiti itself.
A very sad country which never seems to get it right, lurching from one dictatorship to another.
Considering that Haiti was the very first Caribbean country to throw off the yoke of colonialist slavery, this seems particularly poignant.
Jean Dominique was a farmer at heart, a man who loved his country and it's troubled people whom he wanted to encourage to 'stand tall' and 'take pride' in their Haitian heritage.
He took on the darker forces that pervade Haiti, eventually paying for having the temerity to do so with his life.
With his wife, Maria Montes, they waged a peaceful campaign to woo the haitian people, establishing a free 'Radio Haiti' celebrating local culture and encouraging openness, but it was not to be.
It is also surprising that whilst the USA pursued it's campaign against Fidel Castro for trying to forge a more egalitarian society just across the sea in Cuba, they colluded with the brutal and repressive regime of 'Papa Doc' and his henchmen in Haiti.
Perhaps most people have never even heard of Jean Domenique ?
Perhaps it is something of a failure of our news media that this is so.
An interesting film.