Can't read it? Listen now!
Two Haitian filmmakers are shedding light on the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, a tragedy that rocked Haiti and drew global attention in 2021. Robenson Lauvince and Raoul Peck are each producing films that delve into the circumstances surrounding the murder, offering distinct yet complementary perspectives on the event and its implications.
Robenson Lauvince’s Film Explores the President’s Life and Legacy
Robenson Lauvince, a director from Port-de-Paix, is set to release his film, July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti?, on March 1, 2025, at Miami’s Olympia Theater. The movie, with a $5 million budget and a team of 237 collaborators, examines Moïse’s journey from his childhood to his political rise, culminating in his assassination.
The screenplay, penned by acclaimed Haitian writer Gary Victor, adds depth to the narrative. The cast includes celebrated actor Jimmy Jean-Louis in the lead role and Raquel Pélissier, Miss Universe 2016 runner-up, who plays Shedeline, a student researching the assassination. Other actors, such as Fresnel Larosilière and Paul Henry Athis, round out the ensemble. Jean Garmel Buteau, a young singer, portrays Moïse during his youth.
For Lauvince, this project is deeply personal. In a recent Instagram post, he described the film as a “movement” and a tribute to Haitian art and resilience. “This project carries hope for our art and our country. Let’s unite our efforts to make it a reality,” he stated.
Following its premiere, the film will tour international festivals before becoming available on streaming platforms. Tickets for the Miami debut are already on sale.
Raoul Peck’s Documentary Tackles the Assassination’s Political Intrigue
Renowned filmmaker Raoul Peck is also addressing Moïse’s assassination in his upcoming documentary, The Hands That Held the Knives. The project, in production for over two years, is described as a political thriller in the style of Graham Greene or John le Carré.
Peck’s film promises exclusive access to key figures connected to the murder and secret footage from Haiti’s prisons. It will also feature an encounter with a fugitive who witnessed the killing.
The documentary seeks to unravel Haiti’s complex political landscape, including its ties to the United States and the influence of criminal networks. According to the production team, the film connects Moïse’s assassination to broader issues, such as corruption, drug trafficking, and the dominance of gangs in Port-au-Prince.
Production has spanned Haiti, the U.S., Canada, France, and North Africa, capturing the global dimensions of the story. The release date has not yet been announced, but Peck has already hinted that the documentary will take viewers “right up to the present moment.”
A Decisive moment for Haitian Storytelling
Both films mark a significant moment for Haitian cinema, bringing local perspectives to an event that has been widely analyzed by international media. They also highlight the courage and determination of Haitian filmmakers to tell their country’s stories despite the risks and challenges.
These projects offer different approaches to understanding the assassination of President Moïse: Lauvince’s work focuses on his life and legacy, while Peck’s documentary dives into the political intrigue and systemic issues that framed the tragedy. Together, they provide a fuller picture of the event and its lasting impact on Haiti.
As these films prepare for their releases, they promise to spark dialogue on the political and social realities of Haiti, amplifying Haitian voices on the global stage.
