Queens, New York City-based Richard Louissaint is a first-generation Haitian-American self-taught filmmaker and photographer. Inspired by his upbringing in Queens and influenced by Haitian and African-American culture, he focuses his work on people of color, particularly those of Haitian descent. Through portraiture, film, and documentaries, he captures the essence and experiences of these communities.
Louissaint’s photographs and films have been featured in renowned publications such as Poets & Writers and the Philly Inquirer. His work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Brooklyn Museum, the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba, and the Wyckoff House Museum in Brooklyn. Recent exhibitions include “Deep Roots” at En Foco and Children’s Art Carnival in NY, NY (2021), “Say What You Want to Say” at the Los Angeles Center of Photography in LA, CA (2020), and “Interpreting the Nou Series” at the Wyckoff House Museum in Brooklyn, NY (2020).
Louissaint’s films have also been screened at notable festivals including the Haiti Film Fest, New York Short Film Festival, and Newark International Film Festival. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College.
Clients:
“The Captain” (Derek Jeter docu-series), Poets & Writers, Newe Victory Theater, Ping Chong & Company, The ADVERTISING Club of New York, Mixed Company, IAC, Boys & Girls Club of Newark, HOPLITE ENTERTAINMENT, One Bedroom (Film) , Haiti Cultural Exchange, International Center of Photography, Vibe Theater Experience, Bark Bark, Grammar (documentary), Afropunk/Progressive Pupil, Big Words (Film, 2013).
Screenings
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- A Prelude To…, Newark International Film Festival 2019
- Haitian Creatives Series: DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry,
Haiti International Film Festival-Film Series 2017 - Dear Father, The Luminal Theater 2017
- Dear Father, New York Shorts Film Festival 2017
- Dear Father, Newark International Film Festival
(Winner of Best Director Documentary Short) 2017 - Baldwin’s Prophecy, The Luminal Theater 2017
- Baldwin’s Prophecy, Haiti Film Fest 2017
- Haitian Creatives Series, Haiti Cultural Exchange Selebrasyon! Festival 2016
Residencies
- Lakou Nou Artist Residency, Haiti Cultural Exchange, Brooklyn, New York 2018
Publications
- BOJARSKI, SAM. “Haitian artists adapt to slowdown, social distancing with creative alternatives.” The Haitian Times. OCT. 10, 2020
- Silva, Bianca. “Haitian-American Photographer Seeks To Document Change Through The ‘Istwa Nan Je Yo’ Project” The Haitian Times. 2018
- Leonhardt, Andrea. “Brooklyn-based Award-Winning Short Film ‘Dear Father,’ An Intimate Exploration of Black Fatherhood” BK Reader
- “The Man Behind The Haitian Creatives Series Movement Speaks Out” Kreyolicious.com. Dec. 11, 2016
- Olivier, Alley. “Showcasing Haiti’s Creatives” Caribbean Life News. Dec. 11, 2015
- Tuitt, Kori. “Haiti Cultural Exchange celebrates Haitian culture through photography” Amsterdam News. Aug. 15, 2013
- Fields, Rob. “The Q&A: Photographer Richard Louissaint” Bold As Love (website). Dec. 11, 2012