Haitian filmmaker and actress Gessica Généus is set to make a notable return to the Cannes Film Festival in 2026 with her latest feature, Marie Madeleine. The film has been officially selected in the prestigious Cannes Première section of the festival’s 79th edition, as announced on April 22, 2026—marking another milestone for Haitian cinema on the global stage.
Five years after her acclaimed debut feature Freda, which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section in 2021, Généus returns with a story deeply anchored in Haitian reality. Filmed entirely in Haiti in 2025, notably in the coastal city of Jacmel, Marie Madeleine centers on a fiercely independent woman who survives through sex work. Her daily life—and that of her neighborhood—begins to shift with the arrival of a new church, sparking tensions between spirituality, desire, economic survival, and personal freedom. Through this narrative, the film weaves together themes of religion, social dynamics, and the omnipresent influence of the sea.
Généus takes on multiple roles in the project, serving as director, screenwriter, and lead actress. She is joined by a cast that includes Gaëlle Bien-Aimé, Béonard Kervens Monteau, and Édouard Baptiste. Produced by SaNoSi Productions, the film reinforces her commitment to portraying authentic Haitian stories with a universal reach.
This new selection underscores the increasing visibility of Haitian cinema internationally. Since beginning her career at a young age as both an actress and singer, Généus has steadily built a reputation for her bold storytelling and nuanced exploration of social issues. Her work continues to stand out for its balance between realism and artistic expression.
With its screening at Cannes in 2026, Marie Madeleine is poised to capture global attention, offering audiences an intimate and thought-provoking portrait of contemporary Haitian life. Généus’s return to the Croisette not only marks a personal achievement but also represents a significant moment of pride for Haitian culture and the nation’s film industry.
