Strange Things: PBS to Broadcast Documentary on Haitian Street Children

Two years ago, we posted a blog about a documentary under development entitled Strange Things (Bagay Dwol).  Directed by Alexandria Hammond, Strange Things follows the lives of three street children in Cap Haitian over three years.  The film has since been completed and screened at dozens of film festivals.  An abbreviated version of the documentary entitled “Children of Haiti” will have its national broadcast premier Tuesday, January 11th, at 10:00 PM as part of the PBS Independent Lens Series.  It will include updates on the main characters and address challenges facing homeless children in post earthquake Haiti.   

The “Children of Haiti” TV cut will be available for purchase on DVD (limited release) through the Strange Things website.  The full version will also be available for purchase on DVD in the spring.  In the meantime, a trailer is available here.  A portion of the profits will go to charities in Haiti, including the Kids Alive Program that works directly with street kids in Cap-Haitian.

Associate Producer Regine Zamor relocated to Port-au-Prince and continues to work on community-based development with the Haiti Recovery Initiative.  She also maintains a blog documenting her experiences since the earthquake.  Her goal is to promote community led reintegration programs for street children, and to provide people with a deeper understanding of Haiti through its children.  According to Regine, “Whether you know us or not, whether you know about the depth of our commitment to Haiti and our work on behalf of Haitian children, or how much love and how organic the process of this film has been - this is the time to watch… when you see the children telling their stories, traveling through their city, and taking you on the journey of their lives over the course of several years there is one thing to keep in mind:  Why did they get there and how?  As much as anyone helps it is important to note that if the children cannot go home, where will they go and who will they be?  What families will give their children up next?”

As Hammond notes, “One can only admire these children and how they've been able to stay hopeful despite a nearly impossible life.”  Interested in learning more about the documentary?  Join the Strange Things Facebook page, visit the PBS Independent Lens website, and check the Strange Things website for updates. Questions can be directed to Alexandria Hammond at  alex@hammproductions.com.  Please help spread the word about this documentary and Haitian street children.

Bryan