MIAMI \u2014 South Florida is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the country.<\/p>\n
For filmmaker and producer Rachelle Salnave, that makes Miami\u2019s film festival in Little Haiti the perfect place to debut her film \u201cDual Citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile this story is based in Haiti, it could have taken place anywhere,\u201d Salnave said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDual Citizen\u201d follows Salnave and her father as they navigate Haiti\u2019s dual citizenship law.<\/p>\n
In 2012, Haiti lifted its ban on dual nationality, allowing citizens to reclaim their status.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s educating the actors in that work in each department of those processes that need to be cleared and clarified. Eventually we breakthrough because I\u2019m like the constitution is right here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Another film to watch this weekend is \u201cMelodrama.\u201d<\/p>\n
The romance explores long-standing tensions between Haitians and Dominicans.<\/p>\n
Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis plays a Haitian construction worker who falls for a Dominican woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat division is done for a certain reason and I think I understand why, understand it. I don\u2019t think we should fall into that trap,\u201d Jean-Louis said.<\/p>\n
Jean-Louis said the story will resonate with local viewers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe all South Floridians will identify. We live in a world where you have all those tensions going on as well. I think they\u2019ll get it. At the end of the day it\u2019s about love,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Both films will draw different crowds during the film festival, but they share a common theme.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of all they\u2019ll go home with something. They probably learned but they\u2019ve experienced,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMelodrama\u201d premieres Friday night at Silverspot Cinema<\/a> and screens again Saturday.<\/p>\n