Theatrical Release
Haitian director Robenson Lauvince is a history-maker. According to a press release, Lauvince’s latest film, July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti?, was shot in Haiti, which makes him the first Haitian Director to shoot a film in Haiti that has received global distribution.
July 7 hits theaters on May 16, 2025, just two days before Haiti’s Flag Day on May 18.
The film is inspired by the true story of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination on July 7, 2021, at his residence in Port-au-Prince. Despite the sensitive topic, Lauvince says the time to speak up is now, and directing this film is his duty as a filmmaker.
“In my hometown, July 7 is a whole movement. I feel like I’m the voice of my community,” said Lauvince. “…this is a story for us.” The film is in the Creole language, which adds to the authenticity of the story and pride for Haiti.
Screenings in Haiti are already sold out before the release date.
This may be a first for Lauvince, but it’s not his first film. Lauvince has always been passionate about filmmaking while also being a musician, making him an all-around creative. Lauvince has made between 12 to 15 films, and he hopes many more Haitian directors will experience global distribution.
“Everything seems impossible where I come from as a filmmaker [but] the sky’s the limit,” said Lauvince.
Highest Haitian Film Budget
July 17 is written by Paul Henry Athis, Gary Victor, and Hollandy Desrosiers, and produced by Clearshot Entertainment in association with Aldea Studio. The film features Haitian actors Jimmy Jean-Louis, Raquel Pélissier, Tico Armand, and Evens J. Baptiste.
Lauvince was approached to direct the film, but he hesitated, consulting family and friends who were wary of the risks involved in telling such a dangerous story. He decided to move forward, but on his own terms. Lauvince knew right away he wanted July 7 to reach global status, so he demanded a budget that could support that. Lauvince said July 7 received the highest budget ever for a Haitian film.
“I wanted to do the film the right way. I wanted to make sure we were ready quality-wise,” he said.
He may be a Haitian native, but Lauvince didn’t grow up in Port-au-Prince, so he immersed himself in the culture. Lauvince spent two months in Port-au-Prince conducting research for the film by talking to the people.
The Beauty of Haiti
Lauvince wanted to show the greatness of Haiti in the film, along with depicting what happened on July 7. Haiti is the first Black independent nation in the world, but positive facts like these aren’t always highlighted in the mainstream news, Lauvince expressed.
“I wanted to dive into our culture…and what we’re accomplishing as a nation…Haiti is better and bigger than what’s out there,” said Lauvince. “Give us a chance. Try to learn from us.”
He encourages everyone to speak up for what they believe, and he believes in this film.
“We have a voice [but] you have to think you do first,” he said. “
