Enjoy Life Magazine

A private movie premiere for The Sweetest Girl - A Forbidden Love Story was held on April 30, 2021. I had the pleasure of viewing the movie on behalf of Enjoy Life Magazine. I will never forget the viewers' reactions and awe-inspiring dialogue that took place afterward. What can I say about this movie? It was intense!  A roller coaster of emotions, and just when it appeared that we would come off the high, we were left in mid-air dangling from a cliff. Yes, there is a cliffhanger!

Lead actor Genji Jacques plays the role of Lucias Goodman, a husband who has a life-altering secret that he has been keeping from his wife. His wife of 25 years Margaret, (played by Sandra Justice), is a passionate journalist who covers Haitian politics. She has plans to expose money laundering rings and mass corruption. Margaret and Lucias kick off the opening scene in a heated argument that stems from Margaret confronting Lucias. She has a gut instinct that Lucias is hiding something from her. Goodman quickly diverts her accusations and begins to urge his wife to stay away from Haitian politics. As the saying goes - the plot thickens! Before I dive into my interview with co-screenwriter and producer Yanatha Desouvre, I would like to share my previous views of Haitians. Misconceptions are why representation is so important and why this film should be seen around the world and talked about in unfamiliar spaces.

As a black girl growing up in South Florida during the '80s and '90s, I can't say that I remember learning much about Haitian culture. Sure, by the time I was in high school, I had a few Haitian friends that migrated from New York, but I didn't know too many Haitians that came directly from Haiti. The few Haitian friends that I had didn't come to my neighborhood - Carver Ranches, to hang out with me, and I didn't go to their homes in Miramar or Pembroke Pines to hang out with them. Our interactions were limited to school. Most of the time, that decision was made because of cultural differences and lack of knowledge. I can't ever remember being told anything positive about Haitian people. I grew up thinking that Haitians were poor and cursed, or if you crossed a Haitian (mainly the Haitian women), they would put a voodoo spell on you. Ignorant – right? Yes, very ignorant thinking, but this is my truth. The media played a large part in socializing our behavior and views towards Haitians.

Here's what I do remember clearly. I remember the news taking every opportunity to depict Haitians or their culture at their worst. The media caused many people to fear Haitians for one reason or another. This is why I am ecstatic about being able to share this review and what I've witnessed from the sidelines. I've seen them bring this story from the script to the screen during the height of a pandemic! They stood together and made it happen.

As I grew older, my views of Haitian people changed through conversation, education, and positive interaction, and now from witnessing this team deliver an award-winning film. The Sweetest Girl - A Forbidden Love Story gives the viewers insight into the challenges of a loving Haitian couple and their culture from both the past and present day. Since our initial interview, the short film was included in the South Florida International Film Festival and won Best Picture Film in the Black or African category for short films. It is also an award-winning short film at the New York Independent Cinema Awards.

So, what more can I say about the movie? Well, I will say this much: extraordinary entertainment leaves you feeling like you were a part of it – whatever it was:  the band, the cast, the crew, the scene, the culture. I walked away feeling Haitian! When the last scene ended, I felt like I was still there – in that moment. I wanted more, I had questions, and I felt emotional. I felt proud of MY people. The Sweetest Girl - A Forbidden Love Story is a phenomenal work of art created and delivered by a talented group of people. Please read below to get some behind-the-scenes insight from the co-screenwriter and producer Yanatha Desouvre.