JUNIOR
Synopsis
Gifted as a teenager, Jérôme “Junior” Simeon was recruited by top Haitian roots music group “Racine Mapou de Azor” and spent 20 years touring the world. When the lead singer of his band dies unexpectedly Junior’s high-profile career comes to a shocking halt and he suddenly faces an uncertain future for himself and his legacy.
Credits
Jerome “Junior” Simeon – “Key Cast”
Ajayi Jackson – “Key Cast”
Immigrés Lafond – “Key Cast”
Laurent Ansito – “Key Cast”
Jean Paul Saint Fleur – “Key Cast”
Director Statement
In 2016 I was in Port-au-Prince working on a different long-term project when a friend asked if I would like to join him in picking up some new instruments from a local drum builder named “Junior,” who used to play in a famous roots band. I didn’t know anything about drum building at the time and thought it might be a good opportunity to connect with people in the Port-au-Prince music scene and explore something new. Most of the stories coming out of Haiti are general news reports about political or environmental disasters, and I wanted to explore something much more personal, relatable, and hopeful. This is Junior’s story.
Director Biography
Raised in the midwest, A.J. Wilhelm attended the University of Michigan studying politics, music, and film. Following graduation, A.J. took a staff position with the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C, while also performing as a touring musician. Since 2006 A.J. has been working out of New York City as a freelance filmmaker and photographer. “Junior” is AJ’s first film as director, cinematographer, and producer.
