A sympathetic light is cast on poet and political activist René Depestre, an influential figure of Haitian literature. Through her portrait of visual artist Ana Mercedes Hoyos, Sarah Maldoror highlights the African roots of Colombian society in its relationship with slavery. Just after Aimé Césaire’s death, she returned to his home island of Martinique. There, she examines Césaire’s legacy through interviews with everyone from his secretary to people on the street, and employing excerpts from her previous documentaries on him. René Depestre, poète haïtien (René Depestre, Poet) France. 1981. Sarah Maldoror. 5min. Video. With English subtitles Ana Mercedes Hoyos (Ana Mercedes Hoyos, Painter) France-Colombia. 2008. Sarah Maldoror. 13min. Digital. With English subtitles Eia pour Césaire (Papa Césaire) France. 2009. Sarah Maldoror. 58min. Digital. With English subtitles Screen: NFT3. Screening details: Special screening available; English language subtitles; Plus poetic response by Binta Yade.
