MIAMI — Director Robenson Lauvince, director of the film “July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti?” discussed the importance of telling the story of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse from a Haitian perspective. On July 7, 2021, three assassins killed Moïse and his wife in their home. Soon thereafter, a power vacuum took hold as the interim President, Claude Joseph, fought to hold the nation together as gang violence was rampant. Lauvince’s latest film is cinematic achievement and a vital exploration of Haiti’s political landscape, told through a deeply personal and culturally rooted lens.
Lauvince emphasized the need for authentic representation, noting that Haitian creatives rarely address significant events in their country.
“The thing is, when I got called to do this project, the first thought that came up was, ‘No, this is crazy! I can’t do that!’, Lauvince says. “Because I was born and raised in Haiti, I know how the country moves and stuff like that, so I know this could be very dangerous. And when I talk to my family, my close friends, everybody was like, ‘No, I don’t even think about it.’
I always have problems with how we are misrepresented. It’s always somebody else talking about us. It’s never been like a bunch of Haitian creatives come together, especially to speak about a true event that happened in Haiti.”
Lauvince’s screenplay is published by Paul Henry Athis, Gary Victor, and Hollandy Desrosiers. The film is a Clearshot Entertainment production in association with Aldea Studio.
About the Film
The film delves into Haitian history, culture, and political systems, aiming to provide a comprehensive narrative. Lauvince says his film emphasizes the fact Haiti is the first Black independent nation in the world. He also says he wants viewers to understand the backstories as to why Haitians compete against each other.
“It’s an opportunity that we took to talk about us the way it’s never been done before,” says Lauvince. “Talk about our culture, talk about our political systems. That’s in Haiti, which I feel like that’s the biggest problem we have. Racism is discussed as well and directly, because usually they use us to do certain things to us. But, I’m saying nobody never questioned where the mindset came from, where the manipulation came from. We make sure we cover all of that in the movie, instead of just focusing on who killed the president. Just like a 100% political film. We wanted to be more cultural, because, as Haitians, this is the first time we’re telling a story by us on that level. So we wanted to really say more than just one day.”
Haitian Empowerment and Cultural Representation are emphasized
“July 7” is the first Haitian film to secure global distribution and a theatrical release post-pandemic. As the film hits theaters today, Lauvince believes the film can serve as an inspiration for independent and Black filmmakers to pursue their dreams and not give up despite the challenges. “July 7” also premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
“We were on that panel at Sundance talking about the cinema and the Caribbean, I took that opportunity as well to describe the powerful histories we have,” Lauvince said. “The stories we have in the Caribbean, and our powerful messages that we need to put out there.”
While expressing gratitude for placing Haitian culture in the forefront, Lauvince credits his mentor for guiding him to this moment.
“A Haitian filmmaker, Jean-Gardy Bien-Aimé, I discovered films from him,” Lauvince says. “I looked up to him and we’re still good friends. He’s like a mentor to me. Up until this day we crossed back later on, because I was very young when he was making his films.”
Robenson’s approach centers on collaboration and diversity, believing that the best stories come from inclusive creative partnerships. He looks to ignite imagination, and demonstrate that with vision and determination, anything can be achieved.
“My mindset is that it doesn’t matter how hard I work, as long as I can achieve my goal,” says Lauvince. “It’s always important to dream big, because nobody can measure your dreams like you. It’s important to dream as big as you can. And then, put the determination behind it, put the principles behind it. The sky is the limit.”
GVN will release “July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti?” in U.S. movie theatres on May 16, two days before Haitian Flag Day on May 18.