Gessica Généus releases Haitian film Marie Madeleine

Haitian filmmaker and actress Gessica Généus has released her new feature film, “Marie Madeleine,” in France. Set in Jacmel, Haiti, the film follows the story of a free-spirited woman living through prostitution and her encounter with a young evangelist named Joseph.

Généus, who also stars in the lead role, filmed the project in Haiti despite the country's ongoing challenges with violence and insecurity. She expressed a commitment to documenting Haitian life authentically, noting that she aims to use local crews and settings to avoid the inaccuracies often found in foreign productions set in the region.

The film has received critical praise for its cinematography and its refusal to rely on pity, instead focusing on themes of female emancipation, bodily freedom, and the complexities of daily life in Haiti.