The beginning of the journey of the making of the Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms & the Music of New Orleans documentary began in February, 2020, when we visited New Orleans to take part in Krewe du Kanaval, co-founded by by Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of Arcade, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Ben Jaffe.
Along the way in New Orleans, we met with Haitian and New Orleans who were interviewed for the documentary, and made many new friends, including filmmaker Zachary Wahlder, who filmed the Kanaval. Wahlder wonderfully captured the colorful and joyful Mardi Gras celebration of New Orleans’ cultural and musical connection with Haiti.
Watch the video below. Check out Zachary’s web site here.