When the Drum Is Beating - ITVS

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Haiti's best known band keeps hope alive.
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Revisiting Haiti's painful colonial past.
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Remembering the glory days of Cap-Haitien.
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Despite difficulties, the band plays on.
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Maestro Urich Pierre, Septentrional's founder, transcribes lost arrangements
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Septentrional plays in Cap Haitian, Haiti at a concert celebrating their 59th Anniversary
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Septentrional Musical Director Nikol Levy at the Feu Ver nightclub
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Michel Tassy, Sepetentrional vocalist for 45 years
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Septen Fans
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Septentrional circa 1955
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Sepetentrional Vocalist Sore Etienne
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The Film

When the Drum Is Beating explores Haiti's complex past and present through the music of the country's oldest and best-known band and the memories of its founder and leader, Ulric Pierre-Louis. As Haiti disintegrates around them, the three generations of musicians who make up Septentrional struggle to persevere and prevent this national treasure from being lost forever.

The Filmmaker

Whitney DowProducer/Director