Lakaywood pushes Haitian cinema as a driver of culture and jobs

The Lakaywood Film Festival held its third edition on Aug. 15 in Cap-Haïtien, bringing together filmmakers, actors and industry supporters around a bigger goal: building a Haitian film sector that can create jobs, strengthen cultural identity and project Haiti abroad. Organizers also announced the next festival for Aug. 15, 2027, in Cap-Haïtien.

Why it matters: - Lakaywood is positioning Haitian cinema as more than entertainment. The festival frames film as a tool for cultural identity, economic activity and international visibility. - The model could benefit Cap-Haïtien directly through spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation and local services tied to film production and events. - The festival also treats cinema as cultural diplomacy, with Haitian stories and history traveling beyond Haiti’s borders through film.

What happened: - The Lakaywood Foundation held the third edition of the Lakaywood Film Festival on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at Cap-Haïtien City Hall. - The event used the theme “Haiti in the World Cup – Ayiti Nan Mondyal.” - Filmmakers, actors, film lovers, entrepreneurs and invited guests gathered in Cap-Haïtien to celebrate Haitian creativity. - Smoye Noisy served as special guest for the festival. - Michel Saint-Croix, president of the Interim Municipal Commission of Cap-Haïtien, attended as guest of honor.

The details: - Pierrot Mervilier, CEO of the Lakaywood Foundation, said the festival’s broader goal is to help build a real Haitian film industry. - Lakaywood wants a Haitian counterpart to cinema powerhouses such as Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood, but with a distinct Haitian identity. - That identity is meant to draw from Haiti’s history, culture, heroes, music, heritage and youth imagination. - Mervilier said Haitian filmmakers should one day be able to produce major works about Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Battle of Vertières, Bois Caïman and 1804. - The 2026 Lakaywood Film Competition gave first prize to Ronald “Rondy_P” Petit-Homme for Ayiti Yon Lòt Fwa Ankò. - Petit-Homme is from Haiti’s Northern Department and lives in Cap-Haïtien. - The second prize went to Moise Mirabeau for La Voie des Grenadiers. - Mirabeau is from Haiti’s Western Department and lives in Port-au-Prince. - The third prize went to Carlin Estima, known as “Artiste Metkok,” for Bwa Kayiman Reaksyon Sou Mondyal 2026. - Estima is from the Northern Department and lives in Bois Caïman. - Lakaywood special awards went to Youbentha Preval and Smoye Noisy for their contributions and support. - Organizers also recognized entrepreneur Jude Charles Faustin and thanked Loucite Hector for managerial support. - The festival noted that film production creates work for screenwriters, technicians, camera operators, editors, makeup artists, costume designers, musicians, graphic designers, drivers and caterers. - Lakaywood said cinema can also drive business for hotels, restaurants, transportation companies and other local service providers. - Cap-Haïtien’s monuments, landscapes, architecture and heritage were presented as natural assets for filmmakers and audiences. - The festival said Haitian films can help strengthen ties between Haiti and its diaspora. - Lakaywood set its next gathering for Aug. 15, 2027, in Cap-Haïtien.

Between the lines: - The festival is trying to turn cultural pride into an industry strategy, not just a showcase for completed films. - By linking cinema to tourism, services and national storytelling, Lakaywood is arguing that the film sector can support both identity-building and local development. - The emphasis on historical subjects suggests Lakaywood sees Haitian cinema as a way to reclaim and amplify national narratives.

What's next: - Lakaywood plans to reunite filmmakers and film fans in Cap-Haïtien on Aug. 15, 2027. - The foundation is continuing to push for a Haitian film industry that can produce larger-scale projects and attract wider audiences. - More information is available through the festival’s Facebook profile and the festival’s YouTube video.