As part of its Human Rights Film Series, the Native American Studies Program will host a film screening and discussion of “Madan Sara” on March 27 and “Amá” on April 10.
Both events are open to the public and will be held from 7-9 p.m. in Ming Hsieh Hall, Room G21 and on Zoom
“Madan Sara” tells the story of the market women of Haiti, collectively known as Madan Sara. These women entrepreneurs transport the agricultural produce from Haiti’s rural areas to the cities, where they sell it in open markets. Without the tireless effort of Madan Saras, the Haitian economy would come to a standstill, yet they are not represented within or protected by Haiti’s formal economy and finance system.
The women also face economic and physical danger due to Haiti’s political instability. The film recognizes the importance of the Madan Saras and amplifies their call for human and economic rights.
Lulaine Childs, co-executive producer of the film and co-owner of Street Team Productions, will discuss the film virtually via Zoom following the film screening. The discussion will be moderated by Gwen Bergner, professor of English and Harriet E. Lyon Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies.
“U.S. news media covers Haiti only in times of crisis — whether caused by natural disaster or political upheaval. ‘Madan Sara’ gives us a different, more personal perspective, centering the voices of Haiti’s market women, the unsung, everyday heroes of Haiti’s agricultural supply chain. It is a gift to see behind the headlines, to meet these proud women whose backbreaking labor and entrepreneurial savvy feeds their communities and their children,” Bergner said.
The Navajo word for mother, “Amá” addresses the involuntary sterilization of Native American women. Jean Whitehorse, Native American Studies Elder-in-Residence (Navajo), will be on hand to discuss the film.