Episode Details

What a last month or so for Haiti and director Elisee Junior St. Preux's debut feature. Upon its release at the Tribeca Film Festival, THE TROPIC SUN AND HIS EYES (2026) received the Special Jury Mention for Best New Narrative Director alongside rave reviews. It is truly stunning filmmaking, offering both a realistic glimpse of Haiti and an expansive view of fatherhood.

Let's count the ways in which his month just aligns perfectly for this film: Haiti playing Brazil in its second World Cup today (there's special screenings of this film in Atlanta); Father's Day in the United States; and all of the plaudits received at its world premiere at Tribeca.

We only get more Haitian film directors at top festivals if people like Elisee care about elevating other voices, and he does that, too. Have a month, Elisee; I'm here for it.

In this conversation, Elisee and I discuss:

• the vibe of the film and how he made Haiti essentially a character in the film;
• why the topic of fatherhood for his first feature;
• his emphasis on shooting in Haiti and the challenge of others trying to take away his deeply personal story;
• the creation of what is now SOIL Pictures and how he focuses on uplifting Black voices;
• "labs are very specific about what they want to get across" -- such important advice about going into a lab or a fellowship;
• why Tribeca?
• what's next for this electric filmmaker.

Elisee's Indie Film Highlights: MY FATHER'S SHADOW (2025) dir. by Akinola Davies, Jr; I LOVE BOOSTERS (2026) dir. by Boots Riley

Links:

Follow Elisee On Instagram

Elisee's Website