Julia Fairclough While the focus of fundraisers is typically to raise money, the Haitian event Thursday, February 4, will also be a time to bring the Haitian community together, while viewing poignant documentaries about this culturally rich, but physically devastated country. "It's a time to reminisce about the Haiti that they know," said Charlot Lucien, the founder and co-director of the Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts. "The movies have powerful images of Haiti. For me, it's a moment of emotional and cultural sharing." "An Evening of Haitian Film & Video: A Fundraiser for Haiti Earthquake Relief" will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Somerville Access Community Television (SCAT), 90 Union Square, and is produced by the Somerville Art Council (SAC), and SCAT. Seating is limited. Overflow seats are at the nearby Independent Restaurant (which will air the screening), also the site of the post-fundraiser gathering at 9 p.m.

The event will explore the role of the media as it relates to Haiti and the local Haitian community. Documentary excerpts from The Argonomist, Second Hand (Pepe) and Belo's Song of Peace, as well as video clips about Haiti will be shown. Lucien will lead the discussion among the panelists, who include Hanna Rose Shell, director of Second Hand Pepe; M.I.T. Assistant Professor Patrick Sylvain, writer and educator; and Ronny Dorvil, SCAT producer.

People will talk about how radio is the dominant form of media in Haiti, yet film, video and TV are playing an increasingly important role in the local Haitian community. What Haitian films and documentaries are reaching and influencing the non-Haitian community, and how can Haitian-related film and video support philanthropic causes.

SAC had been planning this event as part of its ArtsUnion series, but after the earthquake tragedy, it only seemed fitting to stage it as a fundraiser, said Rachel Strutt, SAC's program manager. The original event was also expanded to include SCAT, which will film the event live. CCTV will also air the event.

Strutt agreed this program differs from the typical fundraiser because it's not only a chance to help Haiti, but an opportunity to learn more about Haitian culture. SAC had also produced a successful Haitian festival this past summer in Union Square plaza. People there had asked for more viewings of Haitian videos, detailing the country's heritage.

"We hope to continue to move forward to establish a relationship with the Haitian community here in Somerville because it's such a large population here," Strutt said. "This is definitely not a one-shot deal but part of an ongoing series of cultural programs."