The award-winning film follows the return of two Haitian brothers to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 to commemorate their grandfather’s passing. To celebrate the life of the man who molded their childhood, they begin to build a kite. While they are building the kite they record the experiences of their countrymen. The kite eventually becomes a tapestry, depicting life in Haiti after the earthquake. Starting on January 12, 2012, you can share in their experience as LIFT UP will be released online at http://liftupmovie.com
Covalent Productions is pleased to announce that award-winning documentary LIFT UP will be available online starting January 12th to help commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Haitian earthquake. January 12th marks the end of a successful, year-long international film festival tour during which LIFT UP was honored to receive the Amsterdam Film Fest Van Gogh Award, Documentary Directing and the Williamsburg Film Fest Outstanding Achievement, Feature Documentary award. What began with a world premiere screening at the Haitian Embassy in Washington D.C, will soon be simultaneously available to audiences everywhere.
“Though this project started with a personal journey, it quickly took on greater significance as it grew to include the narratives of so many survivors,” said Co-Director Huguens Jean. “We’re thrilled their stories will finally be accessible worldwide.”
LIFT UP’s online distribution schedule starts on January 12th with a week-long, commemorative release during which the film will be available online and for free at http://liftupmovie.com/. Additionally, in the coming month, keep on the lookout for the wider online release through Amazon on Demand, iTunes, Hulu, and Netflix streaming.
“The digital distribution model is perfect for LIFT UP,” said Co-Director Philip Knowlton. “For so long Haiti has been negatively portrayed around the world. We’re interested in portraying the amazing enduring strength of the Haitian people to new audiences.”
Profits will be donated to help the rebuilding process in Haiti.
LIFT UP is co-directed by Philip Knowlton & Huguens Jean and produced by Andrew Bly. For more information please visit http://liftupmovie.com
Synopsis:
Poignant, beautiful and unflinchingly human, LIFT UP follows two brothers, Clifford Muse and Huguens Jean, as they return to their native Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to commemorate their grandfather’s passing. The disaster having prevented them from attending the funeral, Clifford and Huguens plan to create a traditional Haitian kite to celebrate the life of the man who molded their childhoods.
Upon arriving in Haiti, they are surprised to find a vibrant nation filled with people committed to sharing their stories. As Clifford and Huguens collect the materials for their kite, they begin to record the experiences of their countrymen, and the scope of their journey expands. Soon musicians, painters, politicians, educators, family and friends are adding their voices and even contributing to Clifford and Huguens’s kite.
Their kite becomes a tapestry, depicting the life of Haiti after the quake. The familiar image of a Haitian child, standing on a roof, his kite soaring above, becomes a metaphor for the people of Haiti: surrounded by danger and standing on shaky ground while their spirits fight the wind, seeking their place in the sky.
Their journey at an end, Clifford and Hugues return to the US and fly their memorial kite at the 44th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival. Despite mild wind, the kite dances hundreds of feet above the ground as a nation’s soul soars.