The independent film world just got a significant boost for Haitian cinema. ArtMattan Films, a distributor with a three-decade track record of championing global stories, has stepped in to bring Gessica Généus’s latest directorial effort to American audiences.
Following its world premiere in the Cannes Première section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Marie Madeleine continues its festival run with selections at the Chicago International Film Festival and the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF). The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cabourg Film Festival, and Nicolas Canniccioni received the Bayard Award for Best Cinematography at the Namur International Francophone Film Festival.
The drama, written and directed by Généus—who also stars in the title role—is set in Jacmel, on Haiti’s southern coast. It follows an independent sex worker whose life intersects with that of Joseph, a young man deeply involved in an evangelical community. As their unlikely connection develops and Joseph begins to question his faith, the two discover new possibilities for understanding themselves and each other.
Through its portrait of lives shaped by religion, desire, and social expectations, the film explores personal freedom, identity, and compassion beyond moral judgment. Généus stars alongside Béonard Monteau, with cinematography by Nicolas Canniccioni.
The film has received praise from critics. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com wrote that it “provides such soaring visuals that it’s easy to have an unshakeable faith in this ambitious aim.” Courtney Small of That Shelf called it “a captivating look at identity that ranks among the year’s best works.”
ABOUT GESSICA GÉNÉUS
Gessica Généus is a Haitian actress, writer, and director. With Marie Madeleine, she continues her exploration of Haitian society through intimate stories of dignity, belonging, and personal freedom. Her previous feature, Freda, was selected for Un Certain Regard at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
Co-founded by Dr. Reinaldo Barroso-Spech and Diarah N’Daw-Spech, ArtMattan Films has spent more than thirty years bringing U.S. audiences films exploring the experiences of people of color around the world. Its releases include Kirikou and the Sorceress, The Pirogue, Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba, The Last Tree, Marighella, Ludi, Power Alley, and Sugar Island.
More information: AfricanFilm.com and ArtMattanFilms.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND SCREENERS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Diarah N’Daw-Spech
ArtMattan Films
Tel: (212) 864-1760
Email: Info@africanfilm.com
Diarah N’Daw-Spech
ArtMattan Films / ADIFF
+1 212-864-1760
Marie Madeleine Trailer
Why it matters: This acquisition brings a festival-celebrated Haitian drama to U.S. theaters and digital platforms, expanding the visibility of Caribbean cinema in the American market. With ArtMattan’s history of releasing films by and about people of color, Marie Madeleine is poised to reach audiences who might otherwise miss its powerful story of faith, desire, and personal freedom.
