Batay La Film Screening, Discussion & Music

Florida State University’s School of Communication, the United Faculty of Florida, and the Center for Participant Education welcome audiences to attend the premiere community screening of Batay La (The Struggle)

In Haiti uprisings continue over corruption, fuel price hikes and an inability for many to survive. Batay La, a 25-minute documentary, examines the current anti-imperialist movement in Haiti, led for decades by grassroots workers organization Batay Ouvriye (Workers’ Struggle). Founded in 1994, Batay Ouvriye is known throughout Haiti as a fierce, uncompromising organization dedicated to reconstructing Haiti in the interests of workers, peasants, and the poor. 

“That’s why we organize ourselves–so we can stand up for our rights. We work so that tomorrow we can make the change that we hope for,” says a Haitian peasant organized with Batay Ouvriye. While Haiti might feel far removed to some in the US, extreme inequality, corporate power, and societal division have become the norm for American life as well. Come learn from an independent movement working to shift their country’s reality. 

The screening is followed by a panel discussion with director and FSU assistant professor, Malia Bruker, organizer/producer, Sarah Cruz and a Haitian revolutionary organizer. There will also be an audience Q&A. The event opens and closes with Haitian roots music from Miami-based artist Jan Sebon of Kazaak International.

The conversation continues Sunday, November 24th at 3:30pm at The Plant with “Resisting Imperialism,” hosted by One Struggle, Miami and sponsored by FSU CPE. In the US, we benefit from the production of cheap goods in other countries, but what are the relations that make this possible? Learn about the current political situation in Haiti, what imperialism is, and why it matters for building an independent social movement in the US. A Haitian organizer will be present, and Jan Sebon performs again!