Private Project

Expedition Ayiti

Ayiti, the native Taino people’s word for Haiti, translates to “land of high mountains.” The dominant narrative portrays Haiti as a land of natural disasters, corruption, and poverty — in essence, a story that masks its truth. Enter Expedition Ayiti, an experience borne from a passion to hike, to journey, and seek an expanded understanding of our world. Perhaps a hike with a stranger is all it takes. Come, join the adventure!

  • Richard Serrao
    Director
  • Richard Serrao
    Writer
  • Richard Serrao
    Producer
  • Austin Taylor
    Producer
  • Junior Auguistin
    Key Cast
  • James Declerus
    Key Cast
  • Hones Declerus
    Key Cast
  • Bubba Desius
    Key Cast
  • Kate Dornbos
    Key Cast
  • Sarah Dornbos
    Key Cast
  • Charles Gerbier
    Key Cast
  • Luke Haworth
    Key Cast
  • Michelle MJ Johnston
    Key Cast
  • Davidson Buvaldy Joseph
    Key Cast
  • Geral Joseph
    Key Cast
  • Shalini Kasida
    Key Cast
  • Ben Moore
    Key Cast
  • Anjna Patel
    Key Cast
  • Richard Serrao
    Key Cast
  • Austin Taylor
    Key Cast
  • Doug Taylor
    Key Cast
  • Oxanne Dufreine
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature, Short
  • Genres:
    Adventure, international, foreign, hiking, haiti, Indie
  • Runtime:
    41 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 24, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Haiti
  • Language:
    English, Haitian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Venice Shorts
    Venice, California
    United States
    March 17, 2021
    Best First Time Filmmaker/Winner
  • Boston
    United States
    May 28, 2021
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Richard Serrao

An academic physician and infectious disease specialist by day and filmmaker by night, Rich Serrao has always been inspired by how movies, like teaching, can transform, transport and inspire. He has created several short medical education films. This is his first documentary.

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Director Statement

Hiking through acres of stunning mountains in Haiti is no doubt a test of one’s endurance. Hiking while filming is another adventure altogether! This film began when my co-producer Austin Taylor invited me to participate in the experience of Expedition Ayiti as both hiker and filmmaker. I jumped at the opportunity to follow my passion for film and produce my first documentary. The dominant narrative portrays Haiti as a land of corruption, natural disasters, and poverty. Expedition Ayiti creates a new story, one that captures a sense of wonder through the beauty of nature and the indomitable power of the human spirit. This film also put my filmmaking skills to the test, as it was a solo production from filming to editing, to music production, and poster art.