For the first time in cinematic history, Haitians are no longer just the subject—they’re the storytellers.
Director Robenson Lauvince made a powerful statement with the debut of his explosive documentary July 7: Who Killed The President of Haiti, which opened to sold-out audiences across Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Boston this past weekend. The film, which dives deep into the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, marks a cultural and creative turning point: Haitians telling their story on their own terms, in their own voice.
The trailer alone hints at the high-stakes intensity and emotional depth the documentary captures, blending investigative journalism, archival footage, and firsthand testimony to challenge the official narrative and confront the unanswered questions still haunting a nation.
What makes this debut even more historic is that Lauvince’s film went toe-to-toe at the box office with another Black-directed film currently heating up theaters — and held its own with a screen average that surprised industry watchers. While mainstream films often drown out grassroots releases, July 7 defied the odds by rising on the strength of community buzz, cultural urgency, and the Haitian diaspora’s demand for ownership over their history.
The screening was held on May 24, 2025, at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta. Media arrived promptly at 6:15 p.m., greeted by a sea of supporters, cultural leaders, and cast members who participated in an intimate Q&A session following the film. The conversation touched on themes of sovereignty, truth-telling, and the systemic forces that have kept Haitian voices out of the global narrative.
Acclaimed Haitian actress Tico Armand, who features prominently in the film, shared a powerful reflection during the panel:
“We are no longer waiting to be cast in someone else’s version of our truth. This film is proof that we are the writers, the directors, and the storytellers of our legacy. Haiti is not a headline — it’s a heartbeat.”
As Director Lauvince added, “This isn’t just a film. This is our chance to reclaim the lens. For too long, others have told our story. Now, we’re telling it ourselves — raw, unfiltered, and proud.”
For decades, Haiti has been portrayed through a lens of tragedy and turmoil. July 7 refuses that frame. Instead, it places agency directly in Haitian hands, centering lived experience over Western interpretation. This is more than just a documentary — it is a cinematic declaration of independence.
The team behind the film now plans to expand the tour, bringing live screenings and dialogues to other cities with large Haitian populations. With momentum building, the film is poised to become not just a critical success, but a cultural movement.
Stay tuned to rolling out’s film section for more interviews with Robenson Lauvince, Tico Armand, and cast members, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and upcoming screening dates.
