Synopsis
Despite the efforts of the colonizers and the hegemonists to eradicate Haitian voodooism, religion persists in opposition to the discrimination that exists in the country. Mambo portrays Fanise, a voodoo priestess, who sheds light on the secrets of this inclusive religion. The film was produced as part of a an international exchange in between the Department of Cinema and Communication of Cegep St-Laurent and the Ciné Institute of Jacmel, Haïti.
A word from Tënk
Included in the 11th edition of Massimadi, the Afro LGBTQ+ Film and Arts Festival, in February 2019, the documentary Mambo was presented as part of a series of short films. For the festival, its inclusion was self-evident. Not only does the film touch on Afro LGBTQ+ issues, it represents a Haitian reality that is all too rare, especially with its specific focus on Vodou.
While Christian religions have often been used to promote intolerance―and even hatred―towards LGBTQ+ communities in Haiti, this documentary looks into the ways in which Vodou, as an important spiritual practice in Haitian culture and history, integrates and accepts LGBTQ+ individuals. This documentary serves to both demystify the often-demonized Vodou and show how a non-Western religion, imported by West African slaves, can demonstrate an openness to LGBTQ+ identities.
In Haiti, the Bible is often used to argue that homosexuality isn’t a part of the country’s culture. However, with a film like Mambo, we could instead argue that it is in fact homophobia, as it is expressed in Haiti, that is the Western import.
Laurent Maurice Lafontant
Massimadi Foundation President
