Watch The Agronomist

The Agronomist is a 2003 biographical documentary film directed by Jonathan Demme, which depicts the life of Haitian radio journalist Jean Dominique. Dominique was a well-known human rights activist and outspoken critic of the Haitian government's numerous human rights abuses.
The film follows Dominique's life story, from his early days as a struggling agronomist in Haiti to his meteoric rise as a charismatic radio commentator and political activist. Despite facing constant harassment and intimidation from the government, Dominique steadfastly refused to be silenced and continued to report on the reality of life in Haiti for his listeners.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Agronomist is its portrayal of Dominique's deeply-held convictions and his unyielding commitment to his ideals. Despite facing assassination attempts and death threats from powerful political forces, he remained firmly dedicated to truth-telling and providing a voice for the voiceless.
The film is punctuated by interviews with Dominique's colleagues and friends, including his wife Michèle Montas, who also collaborated with him as a radio journalist, and Aboudja, a former Duvalier regime official and ally-turned-critic of Dominique. The interviews add depth and nuance to the film, as they reveal the personal and political forces that shaped Dominique's worldview and the larger context of Haitian politics during the period in which he lived.
In addition to the interviews, the film features archival footage of Dominique's radio broadcasts and political rallies, which are often electrifying and emotional. Dominique's ability to connect with his listeners is on full display, as he engages them in conversation and inspires them to take collective action against the injustices they are facing. These scenes offer a powerful reminder of the true potential of media to effect meaningful change in society.
Equally compelling is the film's examination of the wider social and political context in which Dominique lived and worked. The Agronomist is not just the story of one man's life, but a testament to the resilience and determination of a community of activists and journalists who refuse to be silenced in the face of oppression. Through Dominique's life, the film sheds light on the numerous structural inequalities and political challenges that continue to plague Haiti to this day.
Overall, The Agronomist is a powerful and thought-provoking film that not only tells the story of an extraordinary individual, but also raises important questions about the role of media and activism in shaping society. Demme's deft direction and the film's powerful performances and archival footage combine to make it a must-see for anyone interested in issues of social justice, human rights, and political activism.

The Agronomist is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 82.