Legacy of the Spirits1986

An informative documentary about the religion of Vodou (commonly called 'voodoo' by outsiders), that gets rid of many of the stereotypes connected with this religion. It traces the religion from Africa to Haiti to New York City and explains the meaning of the rituals, the pantheon of spirits, the sacred drawings, possession, more. Filmed entirely in the Caribbean communities of New York City, it is the priests and priestesses themselves who narrate the film and give it the quality of being both personal, yet informative. Since the religion has always been kept underground, this is the first time practitioners have spoken openly about it on camera. –K. K.