Haiti International Film Festival Opens Submissions for 2027 Edition
News related to:Haiti International Film Festival · 2 min read
The 12th Annual Haiti International Film Festival, celebrating its 12th edition, has opened its submission process for the 2027 event. This theme is inspired by the upcoming feature documentary by the festival’s executive director and filmmaker Jacquil Constant, which will spotlight female Haitian creatives.
The festival’s theme is deeply rooted in historical significance, as it honors the first major slave insurrection that marked the start of the Haitian Revolution. On August 14, 1791, 200 enslaved Africans met in the woods near Le Cap in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, deciding to revolt for independence. This pivotal moment in history aligns with the festival’s commitment to celebrating the resilience and creativity of Haitian women.
Established in 2015 by award-winning documentarian and cultural curator Jacquil Constant, the Haiti International Film Festival (HIFF) has been a platform for Haitian and Pan-African voices. Constant’s own feature directorial debut, "Haiti Is A Nation Of Artists," which offers an intimate view into the lives of Haitian artists creating transformative work after the 2010 earthquake, was officially screened at Cannes Pavillion Afronova.
For the 2027 festival, submissions are open with categories including shorts, features, and documentaries. The submission fees start at $30. Key dates for submissions are as follows: - Early Deadline: December 14, 2026 - Regular Deadline: January 12, 2027 - Late Deadline: May 31, 2027
Selection notifications will be sent on July 18, 2027. The festival has a long-standing commitment to community healing, networking, educational, and cultural initiatives for creatives from Haiti and across the African diaspora. To support this, HIFF is hosting a creative retreat in Cap-Haïtien from January 11-18, 2027, aimed at building a stronger Haitian creative ecosystem.
The 2027 show will once again be hosted by Haitian American actor Béchir Sylvain, known for his roles in "Jurassic World: Rebirth." Previous guests have included award-winning author and Yale Professor Marlene Daut, actress and producer Tessa Munro, actor and creative consultant Jean Elie, and recipient of the 2021 SXSW Special Jury Award Kelley Kali.
The festival continues to be a premier platform for Haitian and Pan-African creatives and academics, bridging continents, confronting bias, giving voice to the voiceless, and building cultural pride through film.