Haitian filmmaker Gessica Généus continues to work in Haiti despite violence, aiming to authentically tell the nation's story with local voices.
Haitian filmmaker works amid challenges
Gessica Généus, a Haitian filmmaker based in both Canada and Haiti, continues to create films in Haiti despite the ongoing violence and instability in the region. Her decision to work in her home country reflects a deep commitment to representing its people and culture.Her motivation for filmmaking
Généus explains that her primary motivation is to tell the story of Haiti and its people. She believes in documenting fragments of Haitian life to ensure that the existence and experiences of Haitians are remembered and preserved for future generations.Critique of foreign portrayals of Haiti
She criticizes the tendency of American films set in Haiti to be filmed on other islands, arguing that this approach often overlooks the unique aspects of Haitian identity. Généus believes that such portrayals fail to capture the true essence of Haiti and its people.Involving Haitians in her work
Généus insists on telling Haiti's story with the involvement of Haitians both in front of and behind the camera. She notes that a significant portion of her technical team is composed of Haitians, emphasizing the importance of local participation in the filmmaking process.Challenges of international funding
She acknowledges the challenges of relying on international funding, which often requires employing technicians from countries that provide financial support. However, she also benefits from working with exceptional individuals, primarily from France and Canada, who contribute to her projects.
