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Raised in Haiti, Patrick Jerome cherishes memories of his aunt visiting from the countryside, captivating him, his siblings, and friends with vivid true stories. At eight, after his aunt's summer visit, he began entertaining others with his own imaginative tales inspired by his surroundings. Decades later, the internationally recognized independent filmmaker continues to influence audiences with compelling narratives fueled by his creative freedom. A prominent figure in Boston's vibrant arts scene, Patrick is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Boston International Film Festival.
Starting his career as a producer and director with the real-life drama Deportation in 2001, Jerome has written and directed feature films such as Holla At Me (2007) and Open Vacancy (2012), along with short films Day By Day (2012) and The Last Delivery (2015). He served as executive producer on Walls Have Ears (2008) and Assassin's Bullet (2012), a thriller starring Christian Slater and Donald Sutherland. Currently, he is producing, directing, and writing the feature Beyond Control and several shorts including A Time To Tell, 100 Yards Away, and For Love or Money, all in post-production.
Between 1997 and 2004, combining his passion for music, he produced and created International Rhythms, a Boston-based weekly TV show featuring global music videos. Like his films, the show was produced through his company, Bway 7 Productions, originally founded in Haiti.
Following a successful run at AMC Loews Boston Common 19 and being named an Official Selection of the 2015 Boston International Film Festival, Patrick’s acclaimed feature Against The Jab is now available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube On Demand. Written, directed, and executive produced by Patrick Jerome, the film stars Leon as "DJ Mike," a Boston radio host running a prank call show called "Jab Stab." The cast includes Scott Neufville, Clara Lago, Lonette McKee, with Jerome appearing as Detective Paul. Patrick describes Against The Jab as inspired by true events that ignite his creativity and drive to craft unique stories. His remarkable journey—from being a wanted man hiding from the Haitian government to becoming a respected independent filmmaker in America—could itself inspire a powerful film or autobiography.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Patrick began singing in his family’s church choir at seven. The spiritual foundation of home, church, and music profoundly influenced his later artistic expression of political and social messages rooted in his generation’s culture but resonating with all Haitians. Early in his music career, he faced government censorship due to the revolutionary themes in his lyrics. Despite this, he persevered and released the hit debut song and video "Slaves in the Batey," which gained wide popularity in Haiti.
The success of this video deepened Patrick’s interest in filmmaking as a natural extension of his musical art, allowing him to express his philosophies in an engaging way. Film’s visual power, narrative form, and emotional reach offered him a dynamic platform to convey his ideals more directly.
After training and building connections with established Haitian filmmakers, Patrick produced and directed his first feature film, Rezo San Pitye (Ruthless Gang). This provocative film explored Haiti’s unstable governance and the insecurity faced by its people. Its release just one week before the 1991 military coup intensified its impact, drawing national attention likened by Patrick to “a bomb going off.” As a result, he was wanted for treason and went into hiding for several years until fleeing to the U.S. in 1993. He was granted political asylum after arriving in Boston, where his father lived.
While establishing his filmmaking career in the U.S., Patrick held two unique jobs that exposed him to many compelling real-life stories. His English skills enabled him to work as a case manager for Haitian refugees with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). When Haiti’s refugee program ended, he became a caseworker for the American Red Cross, assisting diverse individuals needing emergency aid. “That’s what inspired my first American film, Deportation,” he explains. “I heard many deportation stories while working at the Red Cross and attended court on behalf of numerous clients. The film follows a man facing drug charges who is repeatedly incarcerated and placed on the deportation list, while his girlfriend, an American lawyer, fights to keep him in the U.S.” The film screened at prestigious festivals including Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas International Film Festivals, establishing Patrick as a visionary independent filmmaker and a key voice in Boston’s arts community. Alongside filmmaking and managing the Boston International Film Festival, he has performed in the U.S. and Canada at venues like the Strand Theater, John Hancock Hall, and Boston Public Access Television.
