Sailing to Guantanamo is a documentary examining the 1991-1994 Haitian Refugee Crisis, with riveting testimonials of previously untold stories of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of hope against the backdrop of a coup d’etat, political unrest, and the Guantanamo refugee camps.
On the night of September 28, 1991, Haiti’s president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted in a coup d’état orchestrated by General Raoul Cedras. Cedras’ regime began its reign with a wave of persecution targeting Aristide’s supporters and political affiliates.
Fleeing violence and instability, countless Haitians braved the open sea in fragile boats and makeshift rafts, setting course for the United States in desperate hope of being granted political asylum.
To manage the escalating migration crisis, the U.S. Coast Guard started intercepting Haitians at sea and transporting them to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Within weeks, the camp reached its maximum capacity of 12,500. By the time the crisis ended in 1994, more than 30,000 Haitians had been processed at Guantanamo.
As the crisis grew, it garnered intense global attention, capturing the interest of the United Nations and various human rights organizations. The crisis rapidly evolved into an intricate web of international refugee treaties and immigration policies. The practices initiated during the crisis would serve as a blueprint for future immigration policy and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention camp during the War on Terror.
Through first-person accounts of refugees, government officials, and activists, this story examines why the Haitian refugee crisis was a tumultuous and significant event. The documentary’s main thesis is to reveal how Haiti’s socio-economic landscape during this critical period shaped the crisis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the broader forces fueling this journey.
We will analyze the historical relationship between the United States and Haiti, clarifying how this relationship, both past and present, informs the refugee crisis. Additionally, we will examine the role of race in shaping immigration policies and experiences in the United States.
By focusing on decision-making at the highest levels of power and its real impact on everyday Haitians, the story will illustrate the broader implications of these choices. Ultimately, this narrative captures the resilience of the Haitian people and the complex international forces that define their journey.
We are currently raising finishing funds to complete our documentary with the support of the Southern Documentary Fund. This is an urgent and powerful story that deserves to be seen, and we can’t do it without you. Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps move the film forward and bring this narrative to the world. Donations over $250 are tax-deductible. Join us in making sure this story is told.
