The documentary Born to Dance. Forced to Run., directed by Haitian filmmaker Pascale Solages, premieres July 25 at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The film chronicles the migration journey of Haitian dancer Steeven Labady, utilizing his personal history to examine the intersections of displacement, identity, and artistic survival. Produced in collaboration with the Haitian Bridge Alliance, the project shifts the narrative of migration from political discourse to individual human experience.
Documenting the Migration Experience Through Movement
The film tracks Labady’s trajectory from Haiti to the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. According to Solages, the project originated as a graduate assignment at The New School and evolved into an exploration of how an artist maintains dignity while navigating systemic instability. The documentary integrates interviews, archival footage, and dance sequences to illustrate how Labady utilized movement as a tool to preserve his identity amidst discrimination and economic hardship.
Did you know? Steeven Labady holds the distinction of being the first Haitian graduate of the Dominican Republic’s National School of Dance, an achievement that preceded his professional career across Europe and North America.
The Intersection of Art and Activism
Guerline Jozef, co-founder and executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance and a producer on the film, emphasizes that the documentary reflects a commitment to highlighting marginalized communities. Jozef, who recently received the Women Impact–Afro-Caribbean Diaspora Award from the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, has built her career on advocating for racial justice and immigrant rights. The production team also includes Little Haiti BK and VOICES Productions.
Solages notes that the film aims to challenge how the public perceives migration. “Too often, we talk about migration through numbers, policies, and political debates, while forgetting the human beings behind those headlines,” Solages said. By centering the story on Labady, the filmmakers attempt to reframe the conversation around the preservation of human dreams in the face of forced border crossings.
Future Screenings and Community Engagement
The July 25 premiere event at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum begins at 6 p.m. and will function as a hub for discourse on migration and human rights. The program includes a live performance by Labady, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Stacey Samuels. Panelists include Solages, Labady, Jozef, and journalist and director of photography Ralph Thomassaint Joseph.
The event is intended to spark broader conversations regarding the collective responsibility to protect the rights of migrants. Solages expressed a hope that the film empowers the Haitian community to take ownership of their own narratives, ensuring their experiences are told with the complexity they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the subject of the documentary?
The film follows Steeven Labady, a Haitian dancer who has lived and performed in the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.
What is the primary theme of the film?
The documentary explores migration as a human experience, focusing on how Labady used dance to navigate displacement and preserve his identity.
Who produced the documentary?
The film was produced by Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, in partnership with Little Haiti BK and VOICES Productions.
Pro Tip: For updates on future screenings and community discussions regarding migration advocacy, follow the official social media channels of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
The Haitian Times is a media sponsor of the film’s premiere.
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