Watch When the Drum Is Beating

When the Drum Is Beating is a documentary film that tells the story of Haiti's most famous band, Orchestre Septentrional. The film explores the history and cultural significance of the band, as well as the social and political context of Haiti, a country with a rich musical tradition but also plagued by poverty, corruption, and violence.

The film starts in 2008, when the band celebrates its 60th anniversary with a concert in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti. The concert is a huge success, with thousands of people attending and singing and dancing to the rhythm of the music. The film then goes back in time to the origins of the band, in the 1940s, when a group of musicians from Cap-Haitien, a city in northern Haiti, decided to form a band and play a mix of traditional Haitian music and American jazz.

The band quickly gained popularity and became the most famous band in Haiti, playing at weddings, parties, and political rallies. The film shows how Orchestre Septentrional adapted to the changing social and political landscape of Haiti, from the dictatorship of Papa Doc Duvalier to the democratic government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and how the band used its music to express the hopes and aspirations of the Haitian people.

The film also explores the personalities and stories of the band members, from the charismatic leader Ulrick Pierre-Louis to the shy but talented trumpet player Nikol Levy. We learn how they joined the band, how they fell in love with music, and how they struggled to survive in a country where music is often seen as a luxury and not a necessity. We also see how they cope with the challenges of old age and declining health, and how they remain passionate and committed to their music despite the difficulties.

Throughout the film, we hear the music of Orchestre Septentrional, a vibrant and infectious mix of Haitian rhythms, horn arrangements, and vocal harmonies. The music is both joyful and melancholic, reflecting the complex emotions of the Haitian people, who have suffered from poverty, injustice, and natural disasters but also have a deep sense of resilience, creativity, and spirit. The film shows how music can be a powerful tool of healing and hope, bringing people together and inspiring them to overcome adversity.

When the Drum Is Beating is a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful film that captures the heart and soul of Haiti and its music. It is a tribute to Orchestre Septentrional and the Haitian people, who have faced so many challenges but have never lost their musical heritage and vision. The film reminds us of the power of art to transcend borders and connect us all in our humanity.

When the Drum Is Beating is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.