The third edition of the Lakaywood Film Festival united filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts around a shared goal: the socio-economic advancement of Haiti.
“We envision a time when filmmakers produce epic works like ‘The Battle of Vertières,’ bringing the accomplishments of Haiti’s founders to life on screen for the entire world to see.”— Pierrot MervilierMIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, August 24, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Haitian cinema intends to narrate Haiti’s story on its own terms—through its own visuals, its own voices, and its own narratives. This vision was the driving force behind the Lakaywood Foundation’s organization of the third edition of the Lakaywood Film Festival, held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Cap-Haïtien City Hall, under the evocative theme “Haiti in the World Cup – Ayiti Nan Mondyal.”
In the historic city of Cap-Haïtien, filmmakers, actors, film lovers, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests assembled to honor Haitian creativity. Filmmakers journeyed from various regions of the country—some to showcase their works in the annual competition, others simply to view films, connect with fellow artists, and share their love for cinema.
Renowned Haitian actor and native of the Greater North, Smoye Noisy, was the special guest for this third edition. Michel Saint-Croix, President of the Interim Municipal Commission of Cap-Haïtien, participated as the festival’s guest of honor.
A “Wood” to Tell Haiti’s Story:
Behind the festival lies a far larger aspiration. For Pierrot Mervilier, CEO of the Lakaywood Foundation, the aim is not merely to organize annual film screenings and an awards ceremony. The broader objective is to steadily contribute to building a genuine Haitian film industry.
Hollywood has shaped the American imagination. Bollywood has become one of India’s most iconic cultural symbols. Nollywood has allowed Nigeria to share its stories and creative talent far beyond Africa. Lakaywood, in turn, seeks to provide Haiti with a symbol around which its film industry can be organized, developed, and promoted.
The ambition, however, is not simply to copy these models. Lakaywood aims to forge a distinctly Haitian identity—one grounded in the nation’s history, culture, heroes, music, heritage, and the imagination of its youth.
“Our dream is that one day Haitian filmmakers will be able to produce major works such as Jean-Jacques Dessalines the Great, The Battle of Vertières, Bois Caïman, or 1804, bringing the achievements of the founders of our nation to life on screen and sharing them with the entire world,” said Pierrot Mervilier.
A New Generation Steps Behind the Camera:
This dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent was evident in the 2026 Lakaywood Film Competition.
The First Prize was awarded to Ronald “Rondy_P” Petit-Homme for Ayiti Yon Lòt Fwa Ankò. Originally from Haiti’s Northern Department and a resident of Cap-Haïtien, the filmmaker celebrated his victory at home, before an audience in the historic city.
The Second Prize went to Moise Mirabeau, director of La Voie des Grenadiers, who comes from Haiti’s Western Department and resides in Port-au-Prince. Carlin Estima, known as “Artiste Metkok,” from the Northern Department and a resident of Bois Caïman, received the Third Prize for Bwa Kayiman Reaksyon Sou Mondyal 2026.
Lakaywood Special Awards were also presented to Youbentha Preval and Smoye Noisy in recognition of their contributions and support. Organizers also acknowledged the presence of entrepreneur Jude Charles Faustin and extended special thanks to Loucite Hector for her managerial support.
Cinema as an Economic Force and Cultural Diplomacy:
Lakaywood also champions a key idea: culture can foster economic opportunities and generate wealth.
Behind every film are actors and directors, but also screenwriters, technicians, camera operators, editors, makeup artists, costume designers, musicians, graphic designers, drivers, caterers, and many other professionals. Film productions can also stimulate business for hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and local service providers.
For a historic and tourist destination such as Cap-Haïtien, cinema could serve as an additional showcase for the city. Its monuments, landscapes, architecture, and cultural heritage already offer a natural setting capable of inspiring filmmakers and drawing audiences.
Cinema is also a potent tool of cultural diplomacy. When a Haitian film travels abroad, a part of Haiti travels with it. For Lakaywood, developing the film industry therefore means giving Haitians the opportunity to tell their own stories to the world while strengthening cultural ties between Haiti and its diaspora.
Lakaywood has already set its next gathering with filmmakers and Lakaywood has already set its next gathering with filmmakers and cinema lovers for August 15, 2027, in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.
Until then, one idea continues to gain traction: that one day, when the world speaks about Haitian cinema, one name will naturally come to mind—Lakaywood.
Pierrot Mervilier
Lakaywood Media
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