Rudy
Hypolite
hypolite@fas.harvard.edu
I am an independent producer of documentaries,
my true passion. More recently, I have become involved in short
film and video narratives. My experience flows into all aspects
of production, including directing, producing, videography,
analog and non-linear editing.
Early on in my journey, I realized the power of this medium
and continue to take the responsibility of wielding that
power very seriously. I enjoy collaborating on projects that
address social and cultural issues and give a voice to those
who are seldom heard. My colleagues in Blinktank share
a similar vision and passion and are an incredible resource
for me.
Hansen's Disease:
A Family's Odyssey
This digital video documentary is currently
a work-in-progress. This program will explore the
social, medical, religious and historical aspects of Hansen's
Disease, more commonly known as leprosy, through the eyes
of three Hansen's patients. These three courageous human beings
and their families will offer a unique glimpse into their
life
experiences. They recount their lives before and after their
diagnosis, their subsequent exile to the quarantined island
of Chacachacare, located off the coast of Trinidad, physical
manifestations and experimental treatments for Hansen's Disease,
ostracization by society and their family and their lives
today after rejoining society. Even though a multi-drug treatment
for Hansen patients exist today, those afflicted in poorer
nations are still afraid to come forward to seek this treatment
because of the social stigma born of fear and misunderstanding
by the general world populace. By affording the viewer a closer
look at the personal odyssey of these inspirational individuals
depicted, some of the myths and misconceptions, that has led
to the social stigma associated with this complex, mildly
infectious disease, will be dispelled. This may someday lead
to providing a sense of hope and dignity to Hansen's patients
and also lead to major funding, breakthroughs and understanding
of other infectious diseases like AIDS and Tuberculosis.
Producer Rudy Hypolite
Co-Producer Lloyd Smith
Videography Rudy Hypolite
Audio/Lighting Greg Lutton
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Taking It To The
Screens
This
documentary utilizes a film festival for first-time African-American
filmmakers as a backdrop to explore their work and provide
insight into the film industry. This first time film festival
also takes place on the resort island of Martha's Vineyard.
The program incorporates a series of interviews with aspiring
filmmakers, writers, organizers, actors and film studio executives.
These interviews are interspersed with excerpts of the short
and feature length 16mm films showcased at the festival and
reflect the diversity and richness of the participants' work.
Included is a film production seminar conducted by Hollywood
and independent production companies. The documentary segments
explore film distribution, financing and employment within
the industry, as it relates to African-American and other
filmmakers and writers. The program concludes with thought
provoking statements and images depicting the portrayal of
African-Americans in cinema.
Produced by Rudy Hypolite
Interviewer Lloyd Smith
Videography Rudy Hypolite
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Boston Carnival:
It's West-Indian Culture
This documentary utilizes the steelpan
music of the Metro Steel Orchestra to explore the sights and
sounds of Boston's West-Indian Carnival. The program documents
three years of this annual parade which showcases the steelband,
brass and other bands, calypso, reggae and soca music of these
West-Indian islands and the beautiful Mardi-Gras like costumes
and masqueraders on display on the streets of Roxbury and
Dorchester. Interviews with participants and organizers give
insight int
o
the origin of the festival in Trinidad, which was a way for
indentured servants and slaves to ridicule their owners by
emulating their mode of dress. In addition, the piece explores
the origin of the steelpan after World War II and the craftsmanship
involved in making the costumes, which range from the simple
to the incredibly elaborate
Produced and Edited by Rudy
Hypolite
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