About this project
Distribution
Kenbe La ~ Hold On is a feature length documentary filmed in December of 2009 through August of 2010. It debuted at the Haitian Studies Association in November of 2010. Kenbe La continues to circulate in festivals, but needs your help to complete the distribution process. We have partnered with a marketing organization to promote the film and with your help will work with distributors so that this film can be seen by many more people. Your donation will directly contribute to distributing this film. Sharing this story is an important step in re-imagining and rebuilding Haiti. Stephen Anunson and Carolyn Armstrong will continue to bring this story to people around the world in order to inspire discussion and action. We've already screened the film in festivals and colleges in Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin and New York. The feedback has been INSPIRING - people continue to tell us that we've changed the way they view Haiti and that they had no idea music could play such an important part in these people's lives. We've also received constructive criticism and continue to make small changes to enhance the way we tell the story.
Your donation will be used to help us pay for marketing and distribution services, mail screener copies, and sustain the ongoing operations of Bel Son Productions. Thank your for your continued support.
Kenbe La ~ Hold On
Haiti is often portrayed as a country full of poor people waiting for help. Kenbe La~ Hold On follows Haitian leaders who believe in the importance of arts education and outlets for creative expression. Filmed before and after the January 12th, 2010 earthquake, Kenbe La chronicles the work of musicians and teachers of the Holy Trinity Music School in Port-au-Prince and the Dessaix Baptiste Music School in Jacmel. The students' commitment to music inspires and gives weight to the importance of culture and the arts. Their experiences illustrate the ways in which music education builds strong character and supportive communities to help combat the intense needs that exist throughout the country. These stories reveal music's ability to heal and unite even amidst the most challenging circumstances, and confirm the idea that development means more than economic growth.
Bel Son Productions
Bel Son Productions is run by Stephen Anunson and Carolyn Armstrong with the aims of telling important stories from around the world. More information can be found at www.belsonproductions.com
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Almost 2 years ago to this day, we flew to Haiti with the hope of telling an important story about the ways in which music can bring people from different worlds together and about the ways in which music helps build stronger communities (see our blog for details). After the earthquake on January 12th, 2010 the entire world responded by offering a helping hand. The support was astonishing and greatly appreciated by all friends of Haiti. Still, the challenges continue and it will take more than a donation to truly make a better Haiti. Many do no realize the extent of the problems that have existed in Haiti before the earthquake hit. We believe that the stories we tell ourselves play an enormous role in the way we interact with the world around us. It is important that we tell these stories and not rely on mainstream media reports that often simplify people and places into short talking points. Please help us share this inspiring story that has changed the ways in which people come to understand Haiti and proves that music plays an important part in the lives of many who live there.
By pledging any amount of money to our kickstarter you are directly contributing to post-productions and distribution of this story. Please click "Back This Project" on the right side of the screen to choose an amount you would like to pledge. There are rewards listed to the right that correspond with each pledge level. We will only receive this money if we raise $1,700. If we fall short of our goal no one will be charged what they have pledged.
THANK YOU
We greatly appreciate any amount you are able to contribute. Please contact us at belsonproductions@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you are interested in organizing a screening in you area. Mesi!
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 6.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
A signed promotional poster featuring scenes from Kenbe La ~ Hold On
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A signed copy of Kenbe La ~ Hold On
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
A signed promotional poster, a signed copy of Kenbe La ~ Hold On and a bonus DVD featuring full performances from Haitian musicians and volunteers and extended scenes from the documentary.
Project By
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STEPHEN ANUNSON earned a B.A in Music and Anthropology with an emphasis in Film Studies from Lawrence University. He worked as a location manager and managing cast, costumes and props for a PBS documentary John Muir in the New World.
Stephen is currently living in Seattle working as a free lance filmmaker and plays with the Seattle Rock Orchestra.
CAROLYN ARMSTRONG earned a B.M in cello performance and a B.A in Theater from Lawrence University. She is the Assistant Program Coordinator for Harmony Cafe Fox Valley, a non-profit program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin and teaches classes at Renaissance School for the Arts.
Carolyn's love of music and passion for community involvement came together when she traveled to Haiti in the Summer of 2008. Inspired by Lawrence University cello professor Janet Anthony, who has been teaching in Haiti since 1996, Carolyn spent two months teaching at music camps in Leogane and Jacmel, Haiti. The dedication of the students and teachers was remarkable. It was amazing to see that music was making a difference in a place of such hardship. It was a transforming experience, and one she will never forget. Carolyn returns to Haiti to teach music often.
