"Brooklyn to Benin: A Vodou Pilgrimage"
Director: Régine Romain
Assistant Director: Olatoundji Fagbenro
Executive Producer: Régine Romain
Producers: WaWaWa Diaspora Centre and Trinity Empire
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"Brooklyn to Benin: A Vodou Pilgrimage" begins with an aerial view of the Route des Esclaves (Slave Road) in Ouidah, which terminates at the Atlantic Ocean. Millions of captured Africans were shipped off into slavery for hundreds of years from this location in Benin (formerly Dahomey), West Africa. In tandem to the shifting gaze from the road to the ocean, a traditional prayer is spoken in Fon, an indigenous language of the region, and is performed by Adissowé, a Vodou high priestess.

As the invocation honors the four corners of the earth and offers reverence to the mysteries of nature, a woman emerges into view. She is a daughter from the other side of the water, who has now returned to the original homeland of her Haitian ancestors. The viewers follow her slow steady walk across Ouidah beach, as she becomes the narrator and offers the historical context of the film, free of the traditional Western bias and stereotypes of Vodou and its practitioners.

The narrator is Régine Romain and she shares her three-year journey documenting the survival of traditional African religion in the Americas. Still photographs of ceremonies and shrines in Brooklyn, NY; southern United States; Central America; and Haiti are displayed. The camera then trails the narrator as she enters a shrine for Aïda Wedo, an ancient Mami Wata divinity amidst the evocative sounds of a Haitian folksong for the exact same deity, affirming that the spirits of Vodou “c’est bon,” are good.

Viewers continue to follow her journey across the sands toward the historic Door of No Return. Each step is a powerful affirmation that she is a descendent of survivors. As the narrator states “honor one’s God fearlessly,” her footsteps fade into a montage of women in traditional dress, singing and dancing in praise and devotion. “Brooklyn to Benin” creates an alternative cinematic experience of Vodou grounded in honor and respect.

Support the journey: www.gofundme.com/BktoBenin.com

Follow the journey: Instagram [Regine Romain]

www.REGINEROMAIN.com

UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY:Prof. Manu gives update #7 on the upcoming groundbreaking documentary, "Kushite Groups in Gambella, Ethiopia."https://www.gofundme.com/f/sup....port-prof-ampims-kus TOUR:ETHIOPIA: Land of Ancient Kush" educational tour (June/July 2027) - led by Prof. Manuhttps://advancingtheresearch.o....rg/educational-tours ARTICLE:"Contra Costa College Professor Pioneers Studies of the Ancient Kush"https://richmondstandard.com/c....ommunity/2024/08/21/ #ancientegypt #ethiopia #gambella #manuampim #professormanuampim

How did a relatively unknown military captain become one of the most discussed political figures in modern Africa?In this cinematic documentary, we examines the rise of Ibrahim Traoré, the history of Burkina Faso, and the struggle over sovereignty, security, economic independence, and Africa’s right to determine its own future.Born in the small town of Bondokuy, Traoré began not as a politician or member of a powerful dynasty, but as a geology student and soldier serving during one of the most dangerous periods in Burkina Faso’s modern history. His journey from the front lines to national leadership would eventually place him at the center of an international debate about military governance, Pan-Africanism, foreign influence, institutional strength, and national self-reliance.This documentary explores:* Burkina Faso’s history under French colonial rule* The revolutionary legacy of Thomas Sankara* The security crisis that destabilized the Sahel* Ibrahim Traoré’s childhood, education, and military service* The political upheaval of 2022* His rise from army captain to head of state* Burkina Faso’s changing relationship with France* The Alliance of Sahel States* Gold, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic sovereignty* The difference between revolutionary promises and lasting results* Why millions across Africa and the diaspora are watching his leadershipTo his supporters, Ibrahim Traoré represents a new generation determined to reclaim African sovereignty and build stronger, more independent nations. To his critics, his leadership raises serious questions about military rule, democratic institutions, transparency, and whether bold rhetoric can produce durable national progress.Marquett Burton approaches the story through the lens of history, leadership, civilization, and institution building—asking not merely what Traoré intends, but what must ultimately change for Burkina Faso’s transformation to endure.Because history does not judge leaders by applause alone.It asks:Did the people become safer?Did institutions become stronger?Did opportunity expand?Did the nation become more resilient?The final chapter of Ibrahim Traoré’s story has not yet been written.Continue the ConversationThis documentary connects to the principles explored in The Black Code, Marquett Burton’s educational framework examining leadership, economics, discipline, institution building, civilization, and Pan-African thought.Explore The Black Code Classroom at:SKOOL.COM/Marquett/ClassroomGreat civilizations are not built by spectators. They are built by disciplined students of history, principled leaders, and communities prepared to transform ideas into action.Do you believe Ibrahim Traoré can create lasting transformation in Burkina Faso, or will history judge his leadership differently? Share your perspective in the comments.⸻🌍 Support the MissionMarquett Burton is building a world-class Training Center dedicated to developing leaders, advancing education, and creating lasting impact for future generations.🏗️ Support the Training Centerhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/sup....port-marquett-burton Support the Work💵 Cash App: $Marquettism💸 Venmo: @MarquettDavon💳 Credit/Debit: https://donate.stripe.com/4gM9ATgXFcRx5Tf4rw0x200₿ Bitcoin3NtpN3eGwcmAgq1AYJsp7aV7QzQDeE9uwd⸻🏛️ Join the SaintsBecome a member and support the mission:https://peacetothesaints.com⸻📚 Books & Education📖 The Black Box:https://www.amazon.com/Black-B....ox-Marquett-Burton/d The Black Code:https://skool.com/marquett/classroom📅 Book a Consultation:https://peacetothesaints.com/c....onsultation⸻#Marquet #ibrahimtraoré #burkinafaso #thomassankara #africanhistory #panafricanism #africanleadership #africa #sahel #documentary #blackhistory #sovereignty #theblackcode #leadership #geopolitics

NOW AVAILABLE!! - WATCH FULL FILM https://ancestralvoices.co.uk/vodou-film
Haitian Vodou continues to elicit feelings of unease and mystery for those who remain ignorant of its true essence and purpose, due to the centuries of negative propaganda it has been subject to.Reduced to nothing but ‘superstitious’ ritual practices and ceremonies of dance and song in the mainstream, it remains largely misunderstood, not recognized as a complete system of faith and a Natural Science with millions of adherents worldwide.This film covers Haitian Vodou as the complete Cosmological worldview it is and how it shapes the perspectives and worldview of its practitioners, shedding light on why it was the essential ideological foundation off which the first Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere was founded.It questions why Vodou has never been included as a core element in the political Pan-African movements from the 1900s and if this exclusion has been a contributing factor as to why Pan-Africanism has not been as fully embraced and put into practice, to ensure victory against injustice as witnessed in the Haitian Revolution.It sheds light on its fundamental tenets and scientific concepts to illustrate why it was essential in galvanising the efforts of enslaved Africans of different backgrounds spiritually, socially, politically and militarily to secure the most astonishing military achievement ever recorded in Modern times; the sole example to date of revolutionary Pan-Africanism in action.