— Hertz Nazaire —
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
“Hertz Nazaire: Portrait of an Artist” is a compelling documentary co-produced by Cayenne Cinema and Blue Apples Media, offering an intimate exploration of the extraordinary journey undertaken by Hertz Nazaire. As a visionary painter, artist, and designer, Hertz not only triumphed over the challenges of sickle cell disease but emerged as a powerful advocate for global awareness. This documentary provides a unique and personal perspective, with Hertz himself narrating his story, sharing the complexities of his life, art, and the profound impact of living with sickle cell disease.
The documentary opens with Hertz delving into the realities of being born with sickle cell disease, illustrating the genetic complexities by mapping out the Punnett Square on top of his artwork with chalk. Hertz’s journey has been marked by hardships, including the early loss of his mother, adding layers of depth to his narrative. Woven seamlessly throughout the film are vibrant visuals showcasing Hertz’s captivating paintings, designs, and installations inspired by his Haitian roots. In his own words, Hertz encapsulates the essence of his life’s purpose: “It’s from my pain that I find a way to express my feelings, my emotions and hopefully find something over releasing. So my work is not really creative, not for commercial purposes.”
This film is a celebration of life, a celebration of being successful at fighting and struggling and just being. It is a celebration of Mr. Hertz ‘Naz’ Nazaire. Rest in peace.
“Hertz Naziere” is a captivating documentary that follows the inspiring journey of a remarkable individual—a sickle cell warrior, holistic artist, and creative genius.
— Dr. Carolyn Rowley
Bios
Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Founder and Executive Director, has dedicated her life to sickle cell awareness, education, and advocacy. Passionate about spotlighting underrepresented voices, particularly those affected by sickle cell disease, she champions inclusivity, diversity, and social impact through film.
With his directorial debut in 2006’s “Loaner,” Jason Schmid embarked on a prolific journey, helming diverse projects spanning music videos, feature films, TV, commercials, documentaries, and immersive experiences. His multifaceted career reflects a relentless passion for storytelling across varied mediums.
Candice Copeland, a seasoned graphic artist renowned for her commercial expertise, boasts a distinguished career exceeding two decades. Her creations have graced campaigns for the likes of Universal Studios. All from a serendipitous encounter, igniting her passion for visual storytelling.
Juliet Romeo, an award-winning filmmaker and diversity advocate, crafts narratives that resonate. Pioneering inclusivity, she founded Slamdance’s UNSTOPPABLE program. With docs like ‘J.U.L.E.S’ and ‘Art Of Warriors,’ she sparks dialogue and empathy, redefining cinematic boundaries.
Andrew Wong, a Florida-based producer, honed his craft at UCF before transitioning to full-time professional. Andrew is always open to collaboration, embracing continuous learning with leading applications, and seeking fresh creative partnerships to enrich his diverse portfolio.
A Story of Resilience
“Hertz Naziere” offers a glimpse into the life of a resilient individual who uses their creativity as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and social change. From the depths of pain to moments of triumph, this documentary celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.
Through the lens of their unique life experiences, viewers embark on a poignant exploration of the intersection between art, illness, and advocacy. As the documentary unfolds, we witness the protagonist’s intimate connection to their art, discovering how their sickle cell diagnosis serves as both a source of struggle and inspiration. Through their intricate and thought-provoking creations, they not only express their personal journey but also advocate for the wider sickle cell community. With stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling,
About Cayenne Cinema
Cayenne Cinema is dedicated to being a catalyst for change in the film industry, elevating the voices of marginalized communities, particularly those affected by sickle cell disease. Through the medium of film, we champion inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, recognizing storytelling as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and driving positive transformation.
Our journey began with a profound awareness of the lack of representation for sickle cell disease in cinema. Motivated by this insight, we embarked on a mission to fill this void, crafting compelling narratives that challenge stereotypes and uplift authentic voices. Our debut film, “I AM,” stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a poignant exploration of the resilience of Sickle Cell Warriors.
As we continue on our cinematic odyssey, we proudly collaborate with organizations like Cayenne Wellness Center’s STAC, delving into the nuanced experiences of individuals with sickle cell trait. Through such projects, we aim to broaden the discourse surrounding sickle cell disease, shedding light on its multifaceted impact on individuals and communities alike.
In addition to our advocacy within the realm of sickle cell disease, we are privileged to co-produce “Hertz Nazaire: Portrait of an Artist” with Blue Apples Media. This documentary celebrates the extraordinary journey of Hertz ‘Naz’ Nazaire, a visionary artist who triumphed over sickle cell disease to become a global advocate for awareness and change.
With each endeavor, Cayenne Cinema reaffirms its dedication to amplifying diverse voices, fostering understanding, and inspiring positive change. Our vision extends far beyond the confines of the screen, as we strive to reshape the cinematic landscape into a more inclusive and representative space for all.
— Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Founder and Executive Director
