Upstairs Artspace, TFAC, and TRIFF joint-sponsor screening of Haitian Carnival documentary

Upstairs Artspace, in conjunction with its summer exhibition of Haitian art in “Land of High Mountains,” is honored to present a special screening of the award-winning documentary KANAVAL, which tells the story of Haiti's history through the colorful and meaningful carnival celebrations in the city of Jacmel.

This FREE screening will take place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. Registration is required; seating is very limited!

The public is invited to experience this remarkable documentary and celebrate the history, culture, artistry, and enduring spirit of the Haitian people. Though this event is free, donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Your support helps Upstairs Artspace continue bringing free arts programming and cultural events like this to our community.

KANAVAL, a People’s History of Haiti in Six Chapters, is a visually stunning feature documentary that explores Haiti's rich history through the vibrant traditions of the annual Jacmel Carnival. Set in the present day, the film follows carnival performers as they prepare for Mardi Gras, sharing their personal stories alongside the histories embodied by their carnival characters, portraying important moments from Haiti's past through costumes, music, and tradition.

Through interviews, archival footage, and breathtaking cinematography, KANAVAL traces Haiti's journey from the time of the Indigenous Taíno people through the Haitian Revolution, the founding of the world's first Black republic in 1804, and into the challenges and resilience of modern Haiti.

Unlike many Caribbean carnivals, Jacmel's celebration is rooted in remembrance, resistance, and storytelling. The elaborate costumes, handcrafted masks, music, and performances honor Haiti's cultural traditions, Vodou spirituality, and the enduring spirit of its people. 

Co-directed by photographer and filmmaker Leah Gordon, who documented Jacmel's carnival over nearly three decades, KANAVAL offers a powerful, people-centered perspective on Haitian history, celebrating the voices, creativity, and resilience of the community.

This event is possible due to the generous collaboration and support of filmmaker Leah Gordon, the Tryon International Film Festival, specifically the Human Rights and Dignity Catagory, and the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Upstairs Artspace, Tryon’s contemporary art gallery, is sincerely grateful for their partnership in bringing this powerful film to our community.