Haitian director and actress Gessica Généus is making a triumphant return to the Croisette. Her new feature film “Marie Madeleine” has been officially selected for the 79th Festival de Cannes in the prestigious Cannes Première section. The announcement, made on April 22, 2026, marks another significant milestone for Haitian cinema on the international stage.
Five years after her debut feature “Freda” was presented in the Un Certain Regard section in 2021, Généus comes back with a deeply rooted story filmed entirely in Haiti. Shot in 2025 in the coastal town of Jacmel, “Marie Madeleine” follows a free-spirited woman who makes her living through prostitution. Her life and the surrounding neighborhood begin to shift when a new church opens nearby, creating tension between faith, desire, survival, and personal freedom. The film explores the complex interplay of the sea, religion, and everyday realities that shape life in Haiti.
Gessica Généus not only directs and wrote the screenplay but also stars in the lead role alongside a talented cast that includes Gaëlle Bien-Aimé, Béonard Kervens Monteau, and Youyou (Édouard Baptiste). Produced by SaNoSi Productions, the film continues Généus’s commitment to telling authentic Haitian stories with universal resonance.
This selection highlights the growing visibility of Haitian filmmaking. Généus, who began her career as an actress and singer at a young age, has steadily built an international reputation. Her work stands out for its honest portrayal of social issues while maintaining a strong artistic voice.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival will once again shine a global spotlight on “Marie Madeleine,” allowing audiences worldwide to discover a bold and intimate narrative from one of Haiti’s most promising cinematic talents. Généus’s return to Cannes is not just a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Haitian culture and cinema.
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