"Poto Mitan: Haitian Women, Pillars of the Global Economy" (2009, dirs Renee Bergan and Mark Schuller, 50 mins, http://PotoMitan.net/ )

The documentary "Poto Mitan," which has been called "a testimony to the courage, resilience and determination of Haitian women," will be shown at the Rosendale Theater, 408 Main St., starting at 6 p.m.

Told through lives of five Haitian women workers, this documentary gives the global economy a human face. Each woman's personal story explains how American-led "neoliberal" globalization has a gendered slant, and how it impacts Haiti via inhumane working/living conditions, violence, poverty, lack of education, and poor health care. While Poto Mitan offers in-depth understanding of Haiti, its focus on women's subjugation, worker exploitation, poverty, and resistance demonstrates these as global struggles. Finally, through their collective activism, these women demonstrate that despite monumental obstacles in a poor country like Haiti, collective action makes change possible.

Following the 50-minute film, New Paltz resident, Haiti solidarity activist, and film co-director Mark Schuller will report on his experience participating in grassroots response efforts to the devastating earthquake. Schuller, an assistant professor of African American Studies and Anthropology at York College, CUNY, collected $2,000 cash and 1,000 pounds of humanitarian aid from the New Paltz community, as part of one of the first medical missions to arrive in response to the catastrophe.

Cost: $10 suggested donation.

Location:
Rosendale Theater
408 Main Street
Rosendale, NY 12472
Map and directions at:
maps.google.com...

Contact: Karl Bryant at below email address.