ATLANTA -- A powerful new film is putting Haitian voices front and center and making history along the way. July 7th, a new feature directed by Haitian filmmaker Robenson Lauvince, will premiere in select Atlanta theaters on Friday, May 16, just in time for Haitian Flag Day.
The film is based on the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. But for Lauvince, July 7th is about far more than one event. It's a reclaiming of the Haitian narrative. He explained that the original group tasked with bringing the film to life didn't include any Haitian people.
"As a Haitian filmmaker, as a Haitian creator... I felt like this was a huge opportunity where I jumped on board to make sure that story was told the right way," Lauvince explained.
Lauvince, who is based in Broward County, Florida, has worked on projects that have streamed on platforms like Amazon Prime. He says this film marks a major moment for Haitian cinema. July 7th is the first Haitian-led film to receive a wide theatrical release in the United States.
"This is going to be historical for us because this is the first Haitian film that's coming out through the U.S. box office," said Lauvince.
The director says he felt a deep responsibility to tell the story with care and to push back against decades of misrepresentation of Haiti in global media.
"Usually we've been misrepresented very bad, like where foreigners come and tell our story the way they want -- but that's not the way it should be," he said. "I didn't want to talk just about July 7th... I wanted to dive in deeper, to talk about us as a nation."
The film explores Haiti's complex history, culture, and beauty. While acknowledging the country's political challenges, Lauvince says the film aims to balance the story with the joy, pride, and resilience that defines Haitian life.
"We have more good in Haiti than the bad. It's just that, when it comes to our PR, when it comes to our image, it's always the worst that's being showcased around the world," he said.
Lauvince hopes July 7th helps audiences -- Haitian and non-Haitian alike -- to see a fuller picture of the country's legacy and spirit. He says the film is rooted in history and culture, like Haitian music, food, voodoo traditions, and the energy of its people.
"When you go to Haiti... they tell you the minute you touch the land, it's a different energy, it's a different feeling," Lauvince said. "It's probably one of the most beautiful countries in the world."
In Atlanta, where a vibrant Haitian community calls the city home, the film's premiere is expected to be met with celebration and significance. The film's release on Haitian Flag Day weekend is intentional.
"We were waiting for a day like this," said Lauvince. "We got a lot of support from the community to make this a success."
Following its theatrical release, July 7th is expected to be available on a major streaming platform, but Lauvince emphasizes the importance of seeing it on the big screen first.
"It's a different experience when you watch it at home," he said. "We wanted the experience. We wanted to take it wide."
And beyond the film, Lauvince sees this moment as a call to action for Caribbean creatives and communities.
"It's important for us as a community -- African Americans, Haitians -- to come together," he said. "We need to support each other. We need to have a voice. And filmmaking is one of the biggest ways to speak."
July 7th opens in Atlanta on Friday, May 16. Check your local theater listings for showtimes. For more information on the July 7 film, visit july7movie.com.