ARTMATTAN FILMS ACQUIRES U.S. RIGHTS TO GESSICA GÉNÉUS’S CANNES SELECTION MARIE MADELEINE

ArtMattan Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Marie Madeleine, the new drama written and directed by Haitian filmmaker Gessica Généus

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ArtMattan Films, the film distribution arm of ArtMattan Productions, has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Marie Madeleine, the new drama written and directed by Haitian filmmaker Gessica Généus, who also stars in the title role. The company plans a U.S. theatrical and digital release in 2027.

Following its world premiere in the Cannes Première section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Marie Madeleine continues its festival run with selections at the Chicago International Film Festival and the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF). The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cabourg Film Festival, and Nicolas Canniccioni received the Bayard Award for Best Cinematography at the Namur International Francophone Film Festival.

Set in Jacmel, on Haiti’s southern coast, Marie Madeleine follows an independent sex worker whose life intersects with that of Joseph, a young man deeply involved in an evangelical community. As their unlikely connection develops and Joseph begins to question his faith, the two discover new possibilities for understanding themselves and each other.

Through its portrait of lives shaped by religion, desire, and social expectations, the film explores personal freedom, identity, and compassion beyond moral judgment. Généus stars alongside Béonard Monteau, with cinematography by Nicolas Canniccioni.

The film has received praise from critics. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com wrote that it “provides such soaring visuals that it’s easy to have an unshakeable faith in this ambitious aim.” Courtney Small of That Shelf called it “a captivating look at identity that ranks among the year’s best works.”
ABOUT GESSICA GÉNÉUS

Gessica Généus is a Haitian actress, writer, and director. With Marie Madeleine, she continues her exploration of Haitian society through intimate stories of dignity, belonging, and personal freedom. Her previous feature, Freda, was selected for Un Certain Regard at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

ABOUT ARTMATTAN FILMS
Co-founded by Dr. Reinaldo Barroso-Spech and Diarah N’Daw-Spech, ArtMattan Films has spent more than thirty years bringing U.S. audiences films exploring the experiences of people of color around the world. Its releases include Kirikou and the Sorceress, The Pirogue, Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba, The Last Tree, Marighella, Ludi, Power Alley, and Sugar Island.

More information: AfricanFilm.com and ArtMattanFilms.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND SCREENERS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Diarah N’Daw-Spech
ArtMattan Films
Tel: (212) 864-1760
Email: Info@africanfilm.com

Diarah N'Daw-Spech
ArtMattan Films / ADIFF
+1 212-864-1760

Marie Madeleine Trailer