Raoul Peck, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for his work on 'I Am Not Your Negro,' is currently working on a new documentary that delves into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise. The film, tentatively titled 'The Hands That Held the Knives,' is being directed and produced by Peck under his Velvet Films production company in collaboration with Jigsaw Productions, Imagine Documentaries, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent who are also financing the project.
The documentary is described as a 'documentary thriller' in the vein of Graham Greene or John Le Carré, focusing on the political landscape of Haiti, its ties with the United States, and the pervasive corruption and criminal activities that have plagued the country, making life difficult for its citizens. The film aims to shed light on the current state of Haiti, where violent gangs, supported by powerful oligarchs with connections to Washington, D.C., control a significant portion of the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti, a country marked by poverty, political turmoil, and natural disasters, is facing further destabilization following Moise's assassination and the increasing influence of violent gangs. The documentary will provide a comprehensive look at the situation, offering insights into the core issues that have led to Haiti's tragic circumstances.
Peck has been working on the project for over two years, with unprecedented access to key figures involved in the events. The filming has taken place in various locations, including Haiti, the U.S., Canada, France, and North Africa, to capture the full scope of the story. The production team has conducted secret filming in Haitian prisons and had unexpected encounters with individuals linked to the assassination.
The documentary is being produced by Jigsaw Productions and features a team of experienced producers and executives from various production companies. The film is set to provide a unique perspective on Haiti's political landscape and the global implications of the events unfolding in the country.
The project is being represented for worldwide sales rights by AC Independent, Double Agent, and Range Media Partners, highlighting the international interest in the documentary. With Peck's deep understanding of Haiti's politics and his filmmaking expertise, the film is poised to offer a compelling narrative that goes beyond the surface-level portrayals of the country.
