Ayiti! Ayiti! Ayiti! Director Robenson Lauvince’s Film ‘July 7’ Reclaims Haiti’s Narrative on President Moïse’s Assassination
In the heart of Atlanta, I sat down with Haitian filmmaker Robenson Lauvince to discuss one of the most anticipated international films in recent years: July 7th: Who Killed the President of Haiti? What began as an exploration of a tragic political event unfolded into a conversation about legacy, truth, and the power of telling your own story.
From the opening of our conversation, Lauvince made it clear—this was more than just a movie. “It’s the first time we get to talk about ourselves,” he said. And he meant that literally. With 90% of the cast and crew being Haitian, the film is deeply intentional in its authenticity. Shot in Creole and French, and featuring cultural giants like former Miss Universe Haiti and acclaimed author Gary Victor, the project is a landmark achievement in Haitian storytelling.
A Story That Had to Be Told
When asked what compelled him to tell this story, Robenson didn’t hesitate. “Haiti is the first Black independent nation in the world,” he said, passionately. “But we’ve always been silenced. Misrepresented. Forgotten.” That frustration turned into fire, fueling a production that became his most serious and personal work to date.
The film’s gripping trailer—tense, evocative, and emotionally rich—set the tone for what audiences could expect. But Robenson revealed it wasn’t just crafted for impact—it was a solo mission. Due to the language barrier with his production team, he had to create the trailer on his own. “I wanted it to feel urgent. Honest. I wanted people to want more.”
Not Just a Day, But a Movement
While the film’s title references the day Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, Lauvince emphasizes that the story isn’t confined to that moment. “This isn’t about one day,” he said. “It’s about how we got here. About a system designed to divide us.”
The film dives deep into Haiti’s historical, cultural, and spiritual foundation. It’s a layered portrayal of a people often painted in a singular, monolithic way. And it’s not afraid to hold a mirror up to internal conflict either—highlighting how systemic manipulation often turns Haitian against Haitian.
A Global Response Rooted in Pride
With over $60,000 in pre-sale tickets and a Miami premiere that drew over 2,000 attendees, the response has been overwhelming. Haitians across the globe—UK, Africa, Canada, and beyond—bought tickets even if they couldn’t attend. “We’re prideful,” Robenson said. “When one of us does something good, we show up.”
That energy has caught on outside of the Haitian community too, with African-American executive producers and allies joining the movement. “Our PR rep is a woman, my assistant director is a woman—it’s women that have driven this engine.”
The Risk and the Reward
Taking on a story of this magnitude wasn’t just emotionally heavy—it was dangerous. “This kind of truth-telling comes with risk,” Robenson admitted. “People don’t know your intentions. They don’t know what you might reveal.”
But the reward? Global distribution. A cultural awakening. And perhaps most importantly, a reminder to Haitians everywhere that their voice, their pain, and their power matter.
“We can’t wait for others to tell our stories anymore. If you’re a singer, sing. If you’re a writer, write. If you’re a filmmaker, make films. That’s how we take our voice back.”
As for what’s next? Robenson teased more Caribbean-rooted stories—less political, but equally powerful. And while he carries the weight of a nation’s voice, he does so with pride, clarity, and unshakable purpose.
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