Film Screening at Tryon Fine Arts Center: KANAVAL
August 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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KANAVAL a People’s History of Haiti in Six Chapters
Upstairs Artspace, TFAC and TRIFF joint-sponsor screening of Haitian Carnival documentary. Upstairs Artspace, in conjunction with its summer exhibition of Haitian art in “Land of High Mountains,” is honored to present a special screening of the award-winning documentary KANAVAL, by Leah Gordon.
Upstairs Artspace, in conjunction with its summer exhibition of Haitian art in “Land of High Mountains,” is honored to present a special screening of the award-winning documentary KANAVAL, which tells the story of Haiti’s history through the colorful and meaningful carnival celebrations in the city of Jacmel.
This FREE screening will take place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. Registration is required and seating is very limited. The public is invited to experience this remarkable documentary and celebrate the history, culture, artistry, and enduring spirit of the Haitian people.
KANAVAL, a People’s History of Haiti in Six Chapters, is a visually stunning feature documentary that explores Haiti’s rich history through the vibrant traditions of the annual Jacmel Carnival. Set in the present day, the film follows carnival performers as they prepare for Mardi Gras, sharing their personal stories alongside the histories embodied by their carnival characters, portraying important moments from Haiti’s past through costumes, music, and tradition.
Through interviews, archival footage, and breathtaking cinematography, KANAVAL traces Haiti’s journey from the time of the Indigenous Taíno people through the Haitian Revolution, the founding of the world’s first Black republic in 1804, and into the challenges and resilience of modern Haiti.
Unlike many Caribbean carnivals, Jacmel’s celebration is rooted in remembrance, resistance, and storytelling. The elaborate costumes, handcrafted masks, music, and performances honor Haiti’s cultural traditions, Vodou spirituality, and the enduring spirit of its people
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