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CAP-HAÏTIEN — The Haitian film industry celebrates a significant milestone with the release of “Kidnapping Inc.,” the first new locally-produced film screened in Cap-Haïtien in two years. This marks a meaningful step forward for the industry plagued by gang violence and financial difficulties that have severely limited new productions.
The 18-year journey of Kidnapping Inc. began in 2005 when Mourral, then a student at EICAR film school in Paris, was inspired by the rampant kidnappings in Port-au-Prince. Mourral’s father, Henri Paul Mourral, was shot during this period, and the film is dedicated to him.
Mourral’s screenplay received feedback from CNC and renowned Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck. Gilbert Mirambeau and Jasmuel Andri assisted in writing, with Andri also starring as one of the kidnappers.
“They need to fix the country if we want to keep making quality movies. We need to fix some problems like insecurity. I can’t risk people’s lives to make a movie.”
Bruno Mourral, Director and screenwriter of Kidnapping Inc.
Filming began in 2019 but was halted due to political unrest, lack of funds, and the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming only in 2021. The film features a cast primarily of Haitian actors, including Rolapthon Mercure, Ashley Laraque, Gessica Géneus and Manfred Marcelin.
Kidnapping Inc. premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was screened in Belgium and at the Fantasia Film Festival in Canada, where it won accolades for its unique storytelling.
The film’s release has rekindled enthusiasm for Haitian cinema. Djayala Aldor, who watched the film on her 24th birthday, expressed nostalgia for the quality and authenticity of Haitian movies.
“It was very creole, very natural,” Aldor said. “I feel like it was back in the days. It’s like I was living the old days. I really missed Haitian movies, I haven’t watched a new one in so long. When I want to watch Haitian movies I go watch old ones I already watched.”
Entrepreneur Mackenson Jean-Louis praised the film’s production quality, noting its impressive special effects.
“I dare to say that this is the first time a Haitian film is that well orchestrated,” Jean-Louis, 32, said. “I loved what I just watched. It was like a film from overseas but it showed the reality we live in Haiti.”
Mourral is already planning future projects, including films about Ogou, a Haitian deity, and the 1973 kidnapping of U.S. Ambassador Clinton Knox. However, he insists that filming in Haiti will depend on improved security conditions.
“They need to fix the country if we want to keep making quality movies,” Mourral said. “We need to fix some problems like insecurity. I can’t risk people’s lives to make a movie.”
As Kidnapping Inc. garners international attention, it signals a hopeful resurgence for the Haitian movie industry, promising more stories that reflect the country’s rich culture and perseverance.
The post Kidnapping Inc. brings Haitian cinema back to Cap-Haïtien appeared first on The Haitian Times.
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