Style & Vibes Life: Rachelle Salnave

Haitian-American filmmaker, Rachelle Salnave is the creator of Black Lounge Film Series. Growing up in Harlem, NY in the 1980’s, she had always been inspired by African American films and actors that projected heroism in their journey to freedom and in their plight to excellence. As a first-generation Caribbean-American, she remains connected to her culture through food, music and events.

What city/country are you currently residing in?

Miami/ United States

Describe your style?

Rugged, Street Style, Comfortable, beautiful.

If you were stranded on an island and could only listen to music from 5 Caribbean artists who would they be?

Bob Marley, Alan Cave, Wyclef, Emeline Michel & Sizzla.

What’s your favorite Caribbean festival/experience?

Miami and NYC Carnival.

What Caribbean country or experience are you looking forward visiting in the future?

I want to spend time in every Caribbean country. I would love to visit Cuba, Belize, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, VI, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago – I want to visit and spend time in all the Caribbean Islands so I can learn and compare our similarities.

Why is it important to stay connected to your Caribbean culture and what are 3 things you do in order to do so?

I was born and raised in New York City. I was the first generation born outside of Haiti. Now that I have 2 older children whose Father is Jamaican, it is very important for my children and me to keep connected to our heritage and culture. You must know who you are and where you come from. I am constantly connected to the arts/cultural events that happen in my city. Food is another way to connect to Caribbean culture. Caribbean Food is one of the best cuisines in the world. I also love dancing and will always try to find a good Caribbean party. Traveling to these countries are the best classrooms.

What’s a misconception you find people have about Caribbean culture?

Caribbean culture is very vast. You have French, Spanish, & English colonial influence along with Native American, African, Indian and Chinese culture. The major religions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and of course traditional Voudou is a huge part of life in the Caribbean. While there are many similarities in our cuisine and vibes, there is a huge contrast as well. We were all on the same boat and were dropped off at some point. The Caribbean had a long civilization story before its colonization. There was life on these islands. I think people forget that history. The Caribbean is more than beautiful beaches and pina coladas. Every country has a unique story. Everyone has a story to tell.

How are you helping Caribbean people and/or culture thrive?

Cinema is a huge way to bring people together and spark them into action. It can awaken a nation and really crush long-standing false stereotypes about culture. Ayiti Images is a traveling series that was developed to help bring context to the Haitian narrative and combat the perpetual negative images portrayed in the media. Our Black Lounge Film Series, which was a Knight Foundation, Knight Arts Challenge we won, combines films from all around the world that explore the Black experience from all around the world. So, we believe that cinema is a great way to help Caribbean people tell their stories.

 

The #StyleandVibesLife feature is a series profiling real Caribbean people who are living life with Style & Vibes! You may be living in the Caribbean Region or throughout the diaspora. Designed to inspire people to keep sharing and exploring Caribbean culture through music, fashion, travel and more! Share your Style & Vibes Life by submitting HERE.