FILM MISSION STATEMENT

Andrea E. Leland Leland produces, directs, writes, operates camera and self distributes documentaries focusing on Caribbean and Latin American culture. Leland has traveled throughout the Caribbean observing cultural expression and exploring layers of influence derived from African, Amerindian and European sources. In Haiti, Belize, Chiapas, and several Caribbean islands, she has worked collaboratively with community members providing a forum to voice their untold stories, personal challenges and compelling triumphs. Social, artistic or political actions are placed within context of their culture, imploring the viewer to confront old myths and discover a new perspective.  

 

YURUMEIN: HOMELAND

Produced, directed and self-distributed this 50-minute documentary about the Caribs / Garifuna of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. Completed in 2014

 

JAMESIE, KING OF SCRATCH

Produced, directed and self-distributed this 70-minute documentary about a musical tradition bearer from the U. S. Virgin Islands. Completed in 2006

 

THE GARIFUNA JOURNEY

Co-produced, directed and self-distributed this 45-minute documentary about the Garifuna community in Belize.  Completed in 1998

 

THE LONG ROAD HOME

Produced, directed and self-distributed a 30-minute documentary about Guatemalan Maya refugees living in Chiapas, Mexico. Completed in 1992

 

VOODOO AND THE CHURCH OF HAITI

Produced, wrote and self-distributed a 46-minute film about Voodoo in Haiti. Completed in 1989