Oscar-nominated director Raoul Peck is taking focus on the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise in his new documentary, “The Hands that Held the Knives.”
Variety reported that the documentary “will offer access to people involved in the murder of Moise, who was shot inside his home in July 2021” and include “an encounter with a fugitive who witnessed the killing.” Editing for the film is currently taking place. Peck received a Best Documentary Feature Oscar nomination in 2017 for “I Am Not Your Negro,” about writer-activist James Baldwin.
Guyana bistro with Miami flair
When Florida-based Donnette Dennis-Austin created the Canje Bistro & Lounge in Linden, Guyana, she hoped to bolster her retirement funds, give something back to her Guyana homeland, and recreate a chic Miami lifestyle.
The owner has been able to fulfill these goals with the establishment of a multifaceted business.
“It’s a bistro and lounge coupled with a wedding hall and Airbnb — offering long-term stays with amenities such as washer and dryer service, internet access, and breakfast, tours, and a health walk and yoga classes are also available,” said Dennis-Austin. “I thought doing this overseas would be more affordable than attempting it in the U.S.”
Obtained by Daily News
With South Beach, Miami flair, Canje Bistro & Lounge in Guyana is set up to host one of its many special events.
Dennis-Austin, who was teaching speech communications at Miami-area schools, had a “soft launch” for Canje in February 2022. “It was also a way for me to contribute back to my home country, Guyana, which I left as a teenager over 34 years ago.
“It’s got a Miami flair in terms of decor, and it’s a comfortable, secure, and respectful place to tuck away when you’re away from home. Or it’s for the local person who just wants a few days away from their everyday life,” she said.
Dennis-Austin’s Canje Bistro and Lounge regulars includes teachers, police officers, lawyers, nurses, doctors, students, businesses owners, taxi drivers and truck drivers.
“My customers are definitely the kind who enjoy a mature environment,” she said, noting that the establishment’s musical offering includes “R&B, soul, jazz, Afrobeat, positive reggae and Chutney.” Contact the Canje Bistro & Lounge on WhatsApp at 592-664-4711 or [email protected].
Funds for the arts
The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) has launched a $250,000 proposal call for a “new initiative to support arts and culture across the Caribbean.” Applications may be submitted through April 30 from the eligible nations of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
With “plans to expand the reach” of the proposals in late 2024, the CCF initiatives will “support projects across all genres, including visual arts (all media, including photography and new and time-based media), performing arts (music, dance, theatre), festival arts, film (fiction and documentary, feature length and short), interdisciplinary art forms and architecture and design.
Obtained by Daily News
With the eligibility broadening soon, the Caribbean Culture Fund is boasting arts and culture proposals for five Caribbean nations.
Michèle Duvivier Pierre-Louis, chair of the CCF Steering Committee, said “We eagerly anticipate the innovative and transformative projects that will emerge from this.” For information: caribbeanculturefund.org, [email protected]. Visit bit.ly/CCFproposalapplication for applications.
Jah Jerry benefit
Music students will be the focus of the not-for profit Jah Jerry organization’s annual Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner Dance on April 19 at Juliano’s Caterers, 700 Main St. in New Rochelle, starting at 8 p.m.
The organization is named for educational enthusiast Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, guitarist for the pioneering Skatalites Jamaican ska music group, which funds the Jah Jerry Foundation Scholarship Program for Jamaican students. For info: (212) 470-5655, jahjerry.org, or [email protected].
