The Agronomist is a 2003 American documentary written and directed by Jonathan Demme about Jean Dominique.Roger Ebert The documentary follows the life of Dominique, who ran Haiti's first independent radio station, Radio Haiti-Inter, during multiple repressive regimes.
Summary The titular Agronomist is Jean Leopold Dominique, owner of Radio Haiti-Inter, Haiti's first independent radio station. The documentary consists of historical footage and personal interviews director Jonathan Demme conducted years earlier with Dominique.
The film follows Dominique's career as a broadcaster from the founding of Radio Haiti-Inter in 1960 focusing on injustice and promoting democracy for the masses, resulting in clashes with the ruling regimes and Dominique's eventual assassination. Following his death, his wife and fellow journalist, Michèle Montas, broadcast from the station for another three years. Radio Haiti-Inter ceased operations in 2003.
Reception The Agronomist was shown on May 3, 2004, at the UN Headquarters in NYC while observing World Press Freedom Day. There were no seats vacant for the showing at noon.The Life and Work of Jean Dominique UN Chronicle.
The film received favorable reviews by critics. It received a 96% "fresh" rating on Rotten TomatoesCritic Reviews Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2007-07-08. Praise focused on the use of historical footage combined with interviews.
Box office receipts totaled $226,189 in 21 theaters in the U.S.Agronomist Box Office Results Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
Home media The film was released on DVD on June 7, 2005, with English and French spoken language tracks and subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.DVD Release Date Amazon.com
See also Reporters Without Borders
References
External links Find all Haitian radio Stations.
Official trailer