12-14-10: Maryland Filmmakers “Lift Up” Haiti

Like many of us, Maryland residents Huguens Jean and Clifford Muse watched the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti on television.  They grew up in the country, and came to the U. S. as young men.

Their grandfather, who still lived in Haiti, passed away soon after the earthquake, but they weren’t able to go back for the funeral because of the limited space available on flights.  But they wanted to honor him in some way – and since their grandfather had been a great kite-flier, they decided to return to Haiti and gather the materials to make a kite, which they flew in the Smithsonian Kite Festival.

They also decided to document that trip on film.  This Thursday at 7 pm, the film–called “Lift Up”–is having its first showing at the Haitian Embassy in Washington, DC.  It’s  open to the public.

Clifford Muse and Huguens Jean, along with Philip Knowlton, who co-directed the film, discuss the experience with Sheilah.