Photo Exhibition on Everyday Coexistence in the Bateyes

10 April 2014--In collaboration with UNHCR and photographer Sanaa Boutayeb, OBMICA co-sponsored the photographic exhibition "Invisible Faces. Coexistence of Dominicans and Haitians in the Bateyes: a story of vulnerability, tolerance and everyday solidarity," launched on April 10, 2014 at Novocentro in Santo Domingo. The photographs on display were produced in Batey Esperanza and Batey Monte Cristi.

These communities are located in the province of San Pedro de Macoris, a short drive from both Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic, and the Punta Cana area, the country's world-renowned tourist center. However, few urban Dominicans, and almost no tourists, have visited a batey.

The "Invisible Faces" are those of the people who have spent their entire lives in the bateyes, and of the children born there who represent the only hope of an entire community for a better future. They are the faces of those families of both Dominican and Haitian descent who have been marginalized for decades. But the "Invisible Faces" also show us a singular example of coexistence, solidarity, and brotherhood, which is in fact an example for the world. They are also an illustration of the strong historical and cultural ties between two peoples and communities from two different countries that share the island of Hispaniola.

The photographer
I am Sanaa and I was born in the land of the setting sun, Morocco. I make photography and film that focus on human stories and on exposing beauty and hope wherever I find them. I believe that the impact of film and photography can be used to develop understanding and better coexistence among human beings, thus helping to reduce the gap created by social inequalities and fostering dialogue between cultures that shows the universality of human values.

I began in photography and documentary directing as a hobby in Morocco in 2004 and continued my studies in film directing at Boston University. I came to photography and film direction from a similar field, since I had worked as a communications professional for more than 10 years in the United States, Morocco, and Qatar. I worked in international organizations and the private sector telling "organizational" stories... but, in the end, stories.

Media coverage of the event

Listin Diario. "Photographs of the Invisible Faces," April 8, 2014.