July 7, a film inspired by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, is currently in post-production. In this short interview with Loop, the model Raquel Pélissier, who plays the leading role, talks about her character, the experience on set, her wishes regarding this film “to international standards”…
“July 7” is a fiction film by the Haitian director Robinson Lauvinceknown for “I remember it”, “Married Men”, among others. Even if the film maker has always wanted to “document what happens in [son] country”, it was after the events that led to the death of Jovenel Moïse in 2021 that he decided to start doing this work, according to what he told Le Nouvelliste.
The feature film traces the career of the president, from his childhood until his arrival at the highest level of the State. The screenplay is by novelist Gary Victor. The cast is mainly composed of Haitian personalities, such as the first runner-up of Miss Universe 2016, Raquel Pélissier, who plays the main role alongside actors and actresses Fresnel Larosiliere, Paul Henry Athis, Caelle Jean-Baptiste or the young singer Jean Garmel Buteau, who seems to embody the former president in his young age.
Below is a small exchange between our editorial staff and the main actress Raquel Pélissier, around “July 7” which, she wishes, will “inspire[r] Haitian youth to rebuild Haiti”.
Loop: You recently announced the film July 7 on your social networks. What can you tell us about your role in this feature film?
Raquel Pelissier: I am the main actress of the film July 7. I play the role of a young woman called Shedeline who is studying in New York and who has decided to return to the country to develop her memory project whose subject is the assassinated president last July 7.
Loop: It’s already a highly anticipated project according to the reactions on social networks. What should viewers expect from this movie?
RP: July 7 is not a conventional film where you can predict what will happen and that’s what makes this feature film interesting. The production was very professional. Audiences can expect a film made to international standards.
Loop: We know you as a model, author, among others, and here we are about to discover Raquel the actress. Is this the start of an acting career?
RP: Actress, I hope so. I would have liked to continue to pursue this career. It’s my very first film and I absolutely loved the experience. I hope my fans will appreciate this new facet of Raquel Pélissier.
Loop: What was your reaction when you were contacted for this film?
RP: Director Robenson Lauvince contacted me directly. By the way, I took some time before accepting because I wanted to make sure that it was a film that carries a message that will impact our community, especially the new generation. After understanding the director’s vision, I did not hesitate.
Loop: Moments that marked you on the set?
RP: I was really struck by the professionalism of the production team. It’s really interesting to work in an environment where everyone shares the same objective, and ours is for this film to make its way nationally and internationally.
Loop: This film has a great political stake, since the investigations into the assassination of the president are still ongoing. Aren’t you worried that the main message could somehow influence public opinion or even the legal process?
RP: This film certainly has a political stake, however the tragedy of July 7th is also a historical fact. Most Haitians living in the country or abroad still feel deep confusion about this event. I think this film has the power to rekindle hope for the future of our country.
Loop: Personally, what impact would you like July 7 to have on those who will see it?
RP: I would have liked this film to inspire Haitian youth to rebuild Haiti because they are the ones who will be the future leaders of this country.
Loop: Any last words for those reading this interview and waiting for the movie?
RP: Be patient because you won’t regret it.
Interview by Raoul Junior Lorfils