Directed by Dominican director
Leticia Tonos Paniagua, ‘Cristo Rey’, is described as a modern day re-telling
of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The film is set in the Dominican Republic
and tells a tale of forbidden love between “a kind hearted teenager ostracized
by his mixed Haitian and Dominican descent, and the beautiful daughter of a
local drug kingpin.” (Source SHADOW AND ACT).
The lead role of Janvier is
played by James Saintil, a young Haitian actor who also appears in ‘Duarte,
Traicioy y Gloria” which is slated for release later this year.. Also starring
are Marie Michelle Bazile as Janvier’s mother Laurence, Akari Endo as Janvier’s
girlfriend Jocelyn, and Yasser Michelen as Janvier’s brother Rudy. You may have
seen a poignant still photo from the film that made its rounds in Haitian
circles this month. The photo was so powerful that many thought it was a real
incident and passed it around in praise of Haitian mothers. Whether it was
clever marketing or the power of the picture, the film got our attention and we’re
looking forward to screening and reviewing it.
Currently, ‘Cristo Rey’ is slated
to screen at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 15th, edition of
Latin beat between July 11th and July 20th. Festival details are HERE.
Check out a clip from 'Cristo Rey' below.
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