Poto Mitan: Haitian Women, Pillars of the Global Economy

“Now as never before, Poto Mitan is needed in the classroom... Raw but not crude, stark yet not simplistic, this film illustrates how, even prior to the earthquake, global and national factors impact the everyday lives of low-income Haitian women, intensifying their struggle against poverty... The breadth and depth of Poto Mitan make it suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.” 

— Fauzia Erfan Ahmed, Miami University, Teaching Sociology

“A moving and stirring film, showing Haitian women speaking for themselves. A must see.” 

— Edwidge Danticat

“For many years now I've been telling people that fanm se poto mitan tout sosyete (women are the central pillars of society). This wonderful film is definitely a testimony of the courage, resilience and determination of Haitian women. Needless to say that I'm very thrilled! I encourage everyone to support this great endeavour!”

— Marleine Bastien, MSW, LCSW, Founder/Executive Director, FANM (Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami)

“Poto Mitan will be a valuable tool. Indeed, the value of the film for advocacy and education results not just from the quality of the story telling but also from the quality of the film itself. People will want to see this film, and be open to demanding change from the policymakers.” 

— Quixote Center

“The great strength of this film is in allowing the five women... to speak from their hearts at length, without moralizing from a narrator. The film should be in all university libraries for classroom use. ” 

— Contemporary Sociology, May 2010, Vol 39, No 3