Among those in exile, there are those who leave and those who remain. Samuel Suffren, a filmmaker, has chosen to focus on the latter group—those who stay behind in their homeland, Haiti, and live with the memory of a close relative who has left the country. His short films explore the emotional landscape of absence, waiting, and loss, yet they also reflect the resilience of life continuing despite these challenges. Suffren’s work captures the complex emotions of people who are left behind, often dealing with uncertainty and longing. Haiti has long been a country marked by political instability, natural disasters, and economic hardship, leading many of its citizens to seek better opportunities abroad. For those who remain, the absence of family members—whether through migration, displacement, or other circumstances—can be a constant presence in daily life. Suffren’s films do not just document this absence; they delve into the personal stories and emotional realities of those who endure it. One of the poignant narratives in Suffren’s work follows a pregnant woman whose husband has set sail in search of a better future. Her story encapsulates the duality of hope and uncertainty that many Haitians face. While she waits for news of her husband, she continues to live her life, carrying the weight of her circumstances with quiet strength. Her experience is not unique, but it is deeply personal, illustrating the emotional toll and resilience of those left behind. Through his films, Suffren offers a window into the lives of those who remain in Haiti, highlighting their struggles, their hopes, and the enduring spirit that allows them to carry on. His work is a tribute to the invisible stories of those who are often overlooked in discussions about migration and exile, reminding us that behind every departure is a life left behind, waiting and enduring.