In her sophomore feature MARIE MADELEINE, writer, director, and star Gessica Généus explores freedom and religion in today’s Haiti through the experiences of her two protagonists. Free-spirited Marie, a prostitute, and kind-hearted Joseph, an evangelist, meet by chance and quickly grow a bond. They both face criticism and pressure from their peers and relatives for not conforming to what is expected of them. Marie gives the film its title, but Généus is more interested in Joseph’s journey and how their relationship influences him.
Cinematographer Nicolas Canniccioni’s images capture the crowded streets of Jacmel and the intimate spaces the characters inhabit exquisitely. The night sequences are particularly enthralling. A number of terrific songs accompany the visuals during the musical sequences.
While its story is small in scope, the film offers a strong sense of life in Haiti and leaves a lasting impression.
