Customer Reviews

The Road to Fondwa

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was fortunate to attend a packed San Francisco screening of the "Road to Fondwa" hosted by the documentary's director and producer, Justin Brandon. In his second documentary- Brandon and his team tell the amazing story of a marginalized nation and its people, who, in the face of all calamity have banded together as a community to create their own infrastructure, amplify their own education, and ultimately, to realize their full potential as Haitians and as humans. The word "konbit" in Creole signifies that when we all put our efforts together the work is lighter - it's a sentiment of coming together for a greater purpose. This documentary offers a window into the opportunities of community. It is vibrant, lyrical, poignant and touching. Using his lens as both a kaleidoscope and a paintbrush, Brandon underlines the larger themes of human potentiality. Yes, this film is about Haiti, but so too is it about something much larger, something far more elemental. We have seen how the hyper-connectivity of modernity links us tighter together. John Donne taught us that "no man is an island," and as Americans separated by only the briefest sliver of water from our Haitian brothers, it would be wise to remember that as global citizens we learn a lesson in camaraderie and common purpose that "The Road to Fondwa so eloquently provides. The documentary shows that when we act as one, anything is possible. The only insurmountable adversity is the one we create in our own solitude.

This film shows the struggles and triumphs of the town Fondwa, in Haiti, a country only 600 miles from our shores. The directors have done a fantastic job of portraying the stories of Haitians who are doing everything they can to not only get by, but to succeed. After seeing the new school built for the children and the struggles to build roads and housing, you will be moved to action, to stand up for Haiti and help.

I just checked out their website: http://fondwa.org where they have more info.

Great film! Help support Haiti by buying this film and sharing it with your friends!

I was utterly blown away by The Road to Fondwa. As someone who has worked with both development scholars and filmmakers, I am amazed at the skill of Brandon, Schnorr, and McElroy to bring the statistics of development to life in an engaging story that is visually magnificent. The Road to Fondwa has profoundly impacted my impressions of Haiti and is a true testament to the incredible impact that can be made by a few dedicated individuals. After seeing this film, I contacted the filmmakers to set up a screening and would encourage everyone to do the same!

I have been working to help develop a school in the NE of Haiti for the past 25 years. This film was the first to really capture what it feels like to be in Haiti.

I thought the DVD was impressive in the way the film showed both the nitty gritty of life in Haiti but yet caught the positive spirit of the people. Not an easy thing to juggle.

The one interview with the woman toward the end really brought that out--how all images of Haiti in the media are negative and disastrous. The whole film balanced that out nicely.

Don't think twice: buy this film and invite a group of friends over to see it!

As a frequent traveler to Haiti this film is excellent at showing hope and possibility which is not portrayed in the international media. BRAVO to the makers of this documentary in showcasing how education can break the cycle of poverty.

The Road to Fondwa was screened last night to a packed house in South Bend, Indiana, at Saint Mary's College. The cinematography was beautiful, capturing the Haitian people sharing their struggles, aspirations, and hopes. Despite the challenges Haiti faces, director Justin Brandon revealed a side of Haiti that is not often shared in the mainstream media - the efforts of people to empower themselves to bring change to the country. As a community Fondwa is amazing in helping to promote development that is initiated and maintained by the people themselves. Brandon is a master storyteller - we become involved and engaged in the lives of the people he introduces us to. I am grateful for the experience of having seen this film and it inspires me to find ways to learn more about Haiti's challenges and ways I might help support the efforts of those in Fondwa.

This documentary is essentially a local vignette. It keeps things local but its impact is global. It focuses on an educational project in a small town - how villagers can create a knowledge community. For those unfamiliar with Haiti (or too familiar with the negative press), this is a refreshing look at how a small community can make a dramatic impact. The documentary is full of homespun villagers that make you feel as if you were trekking through the town on barefoot. I recommend anyone to trek to the closest screening to watch this film. I was blown away by the high quality production and story telling ability of the documentary makers.

The Road to Fondwa

The Road to Fondwa is a beautiful film made with incredible heart. It's a documentary that doesn't try to shock or sadden its viewers with scenes of extreme poverty. It's picture of Haiti is real. It shows the hardships but it also focuses on the beautiful countryside and the unrelenting spirit of the Haitian people. The shots of Haiti were absolutely beautiful and made me fall in love with the country even though I've never set foot there. It's truly a great piece of work and highly recommended!

We see and feel challenges all around the world... We are experiencing momentous growing pains... Wanna see some people choosing empathy, community, and problem solving as you take a journey through an involving and vibrant viewing experience? Jump on "The Road to Fondwa."

I'm a huge fan of this film. Amazing colors, panoramics, sounds, words, a rocking soundtrack ... and a message that both makes you want to be more involved in development and also makes you believe in the power of the human spirit to work together for change. Kudos to the filmmakers - I think they were wise to realize that the movie wasn't about them - the real story is the strength of the people of Fondwa. They're on a "konbit," and it's awesome to see.

The filmmakers take you up close without seeming invasive, they inspire you to do something without feeling like the first world is evil, and they are hopeful about Haiti's future without being disingenuous about the challenges. In my view this is the gold standard for a new type of documentary about the developing world. You have to see it!