Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove

Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove marks the fourth chapter of HKW’s long-term curatorial investigation into the unfinished work and legacy of the Haitian Revolution. The festival again takes as its departure point the forest gathering of Bwa Kayiman, which took place on 14 August 1791 and initiated the revolution that would establish the first Black republic. The 2026 edition of the festival returns to the location of this seminal assembly to think on forests as sites of eco-political struggle, with a particular focus on the mangrove as a space of relation and knowledge. Today mangroves are among the most endangered ecosystems on earth, despite the significant role they play in regulating the global carbon cycle. These porous forests also hold significance and layered histories for many Afro-diasporic and Indigenous peoples, who globally face threats to their livelihoods due to the environmental exploitation systemically naturalized through colonial narratives.  

In dialogue with thinkers and practitioners from the Caribbean, Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, the festival addresses the ecological implications of colonialism, pressing environmental challenges, and potential forms of ecological stewardship. As in previous iterations, Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove aims to strengthen the voices of communities still seeking emancipation. Thus, this year’s edition features a dedicated programme section consisting of performances, dance, rituals, lectures, conversations, poetry, music, food, films, and installations co-curated by members of the Ryūkyūan/Okinawan diaspora in Berlin.