Haitian Movie Awards In NYC, See 107 Pictures

belfim.com/picture-3223On Saturday February 16 2008, many Haitian actors and Filmmakers were in Queens New York for the First Annual Frantz Design Semi Cinema Awards.

Updated November 16, 2012 6:08 AM

See all 107 Pictures here!

Frantzson Saintilien, the event organizer, has been criticized by many but one can say that he has earned his stripes in the movie industry.

It has been a long time since I've witnessed so many Haitian movie stars and filmmakers under one roof for an event in such magnitude.

I am sure that it took a lot of time, effort, money, and energy to put this event together and I can attest to you that not a single person left the event disappointed.

Hosted by Valerio Saint Louis of Tele Image, the award ceremony went on without a hitch. One by one, actors and filmmakers went on stage to received their award.

belfim.com/pictures.php?p=3239&...As they arrived on the stage, a clip of their movie was projected on the screen for the audience to see. Everyone who received an award made a short speech, the audience were not cheap with their claps. Honestly, I saw nothing but smiles.

Raynald Delerme received an standing ovation as he received his award for his long term commitment to the Haitian movie industry.

He didn't take all the credit, instead Mr Delerme thanked the new generation of actors and filmmakers for continuing the legacy of which he is considered one of the pioneers.

Samuel Vincent's movie Natalie received 4 awards, the most award given that night for a single movie. Unfortunately, not a single person from the cast of Natalie was there to receive their awards in person.

To be recognized for doing something positive is a wonderful thing; it feels good no matter where the award or recognition comes from. I know because I myself received an award for the Haiti Internet Movie Database [Belfim.com].

This is the first time ever I have accepted an award in the four years that belfim has been in existence. This is the second award I have received in the 10 years that I have been serving the Haitian community online.

Belfim was not the only media/publisher to receive this recognition, There was an award given to MPAHaiti.org, EverythingHaitian.com, and Rockmasters.com

Mr Saintilien reveice was presented with an award from MPAHaiti.org.

It was a great opportunity for me to meet with many actors and filmmakers that I've been doing business with but have never met:

Denis Antoine
Ronel Choute
Francois Turnier
R. Widmack Belot
Blondedy Ferdinand
... just to name a few

One thing that also caught my attention was coming from some of the actors themselves. It appears that although they were all in the same industry and knew each other via the movies they play in, some of them met for the first time during the award ceremony. This is one more reason why we need more events like this.

Until we have award ceremonies in the magnitude of the Emmies, the Oscars, or the Golden Globe, recognition awards such as the First Annual Frantz Design Semi Cinema Awards will do.

"Pito Sa Pase Malgre Sa" as they say in Haitian Creole!

Over all it was a great event. I cannot speak for everyone who was there except to say that everyone, it seems, was very happy to go on stage to receive their awards.

You can see all 107 Pictures we took during the First Annual Frantz Design Semi Cinema Awards In NYC and we are expecting some very exciting behind the scenes pictures as well.

Although I missed part of the ambiance and the after party, I was told that everyone really enjoyed each other's company then they have some great pictures to prove it. once we have these photos you will be the first to see them.

After the Semi awards, the everyone had the opportunity to see the grand premiere of the movie Yon Sel Nwit, a new film produced by Frantzson Saintilien. If you were there at the event, I would love to hear your opinion about the award ceremony and the movie premiere.