Le Maryaj lenglensou

In 1492, Columbus landed in Haiti; less than 14 years later, the indigenous population was virtually wiped out. The first slaves from Africa were brought to the island, and some three centuries later, the slaves rebelled and Haiti became the world's first black republic in 1804. After gaining its independence, however, Haiti grew increasingly destitute, and it is now the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. These days, it is kept on its feet by development aid and an international military presence. Several years ago, during one of Haiti's many political crises, director and cinematographer Hans Fels discovered the outlines of the first Creole opera, which was written by Rassoul Labuchin and composed by Ipharès Blain, but had never been performed. "The opera known as Maryaj Lenglensou, or The Blood Wedding, had been in a drawer for years. There was no money to put it on." The filmmaker follows the realisation of the opera, from the first laborious steps to when it goes on tour throughout Haiti. Hans Fels does not use any interviews, but instead combines the story of the libretto with the grim reality of the country it takes place in. The documentary The Blood Wedding reveals that man cannot live without art, for art provides temporary escape from the banality of daily existence. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)