DIRECTOR: Bruno Mourral
STARRING: Rolapthon Mercure, Jasmuel Andri, Ashley Laraque, Gessica Geneus, Patrick Joseph
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 47 minutes
LANGUAGE: French, Haitian
Tasked with what appears to be a simple abduction for hire, two hapless kidnappers find out that it's anything but and end up in the middle of a political conspiracy.
***
Kidnapping Inc., is the first feature film for director Bruno Mourral. It had its worldwide debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. It has since played in Brussels, Shanghai, Montreal, Strasbourg and more film festivals around the world before being released in Haiti in September 2024. During production, the team’s convoy was stopped by gunmen one night as cast and crew were returning from a location shoot. Three crew members were abducted, setting off frantic negotiations with local gangs, who were demanding a ransom of $1 million per hostage. The incident would soon draw in the President of the Dominican Republic, where two of the hostages were from. Eventually, the Prime Minister of Haiti intervened to free the three men. The film has been acquired for world sales by XYZ Films.
Despite every intention to submit the film to The Academy, the film was unable to do so. Haiti, since 2022, does not have a film commission and it was too late for the country to meet this requirement before the deadline.
The film is produced by Promenades Films (France), BHM Films (France) and Peripheria (Canada), including Samuel Chavin, Bruno Mourral, Yanick Létourneau and Gilbert Mirambeau Jr.
Kidnapping Inc., is a thriller drama and it was filmed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
To check out all previous submissions for Haiti, click HERE.
STARRING: Rolapthon Mercure, Jasmuel Andri, Ashley Laraque, Gessica Geneus, Patrick Joseph
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 47 minutes
LANGUAGE: French, Haitian
Tasked with what appears to be a simple abduction for hire, two hapless kidnappers find out that it's anything but and end up in the middle of a political conspiracy.
***
Kidnapping Inc., is the first feature film for director Bruno Mourral. It had its worldwide debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. It has since played in Brussels, Shanghai, Montreal, Strasbourg and more film festivals around the world before being released in Haiti in September 2024. During production, the team’s convoy was stopped by gunmen one night as cast and crew were returning from a location shoot. Three crew members were abducted, setting off frantic negotiations with local gangs, who were demanding a ransom of $1 million per hostage. The incident would soon draw in the President of the Dominican Republic, where two of the hostages were from. Eventually, the Prime Minister of Haiti intervened to free the three men. The film has been acquired for world sales by XYZ Films.
Despite every intention to submit the film to The Academy, the film was unable to do so. Haiti, since 2022, does not have a film commission and it was too late for the country to meet this requirement before the deadline.
The film is produced by Promenades Films (France), BHM Films (France) and Peripheria (Canada), including Samuel Chavin, Bruno Mourral, Yanick Létourneau and Gilbert Mirambeau Jr.
Kidnapping Inc., is a thriller drama and it was filmed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
To check out all previous submissions for Haiti, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“The time has come for us to stop being afraid.”
Kidnapping Inc., directed by Haitian filmmaker Bruno Mourral, is a bold and energetic debut that offers a refreshing take on crime comedy while diving into Haiti's political and social landscape. Set in the bustling, chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince, the film brings to life the adventures of two lovable but incompetent kidnappers, Doc and Zoe, whose attempt to pull off a seemingly straightforward abduction spirals into a far-reaching political scandal. With a vibrant ensemble cast and fast-paced action sequences, Kidnapping Inc. provides a unique blend of humour, social commentary, and thrills.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to mix lighthearted comedy with sharp, timely observations about the state of Haiti’s political system and economic disparities. Mourral’s use of satire is clever, and while the film never loses its sense of fun, it subtly comments on the realities faced by many Haitians. Through Zoe and Doc’s misadventures, the film addresses the country’s issues with corruption, class divides, and the pressures of financial insecurity, presenting these themes in a way that feels authentic to the local experience without being heavy-handed.
The performances are a highlight, particularly from the two leads, Rolaphton Mercure as the high-strung Zoe and Jasmuel Andri as the laid-back Doc. Their chemistry is magnetic, and the playful banter between the two drives much of the film’s humour. Supporting actors like Gessica Geneus, who plays a headstrong pregnant woman forced into their scheme, and Patrick Joseph as her terrified husband, add depth to the ensemble. The cast’s commitment to their roles brings warmth and relatability to the characters, making the film’s more outlandish moments all the more enjoyable.
At the heart of the film’s social commentary is the issue of class inequality, which has long been a source of friction in Haiti. The vast majority of the population is Black and lives in poverty, while a small, mixed-race elite controls much of the country's wealth and power. This divide is central to Kidnapping Inc., as the plot revolves around the kidnapping of the son of a wealthy presidential candidate, Benjamin Perralt. Zoe and Doc are representative of the many Haitians struggling to make ends meet. Their actions, while comedic, speak to the desperation of those left behind by a system that has failed to provide opportunities for upward mobility. The ransom they seek is a symbol of the glaring wealth gap that continues to define Haitian society.
At its core, Kidnapping Inc. is more than just a crime caper; it’s a vibrant and entertaining film that brings a fresh perspective to the genre. By blending comedy, action, and social commentary, Bruno Mourral has crafted a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It’s a bold debut that signals the arrival of a filmmaker with a distinct voice, and a reminder of the richness of Haitian culture and the untapped potential of its film industry. Kidnapping Inc. is a standout work that deserves attention. Through its vibrant, chaotic energy, the film provides a unique and insightful commentary on the state of Haiti today.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“The time has come for us to stop being afraid.”
Kidnapping Inc., directed by Haitian filmmaker Bruno Mourral, is a bold and energetic debut that offers a refreshing take on crime comedy while diving into Haiti's political and social landscape. Set in the bustling, chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince, the film brings to life the adventures of two lovable but incompetent kidnappers, Doc and Zoe, whose attempt to pull off a seemingly straightforward abduction spirals into a far-reaching political scandal. With a vibrant ensemble cast and fast-paced action sequences, Kidnapping Inc. provides a unique blend of humour, social commentary, and thrills.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to mix lighthearted comedy with sharp, timely observations about the state of Haiti’s political system and economic disparities. Mourral’s use of satire is clever, and while the film never loses its sense of fun, it subtly comments on the realities faced by many Haitians. Through Zoe and Doc’s misadventures, the film addresses the country’s issues with corruption, class divides, and the pressures of financial insecurity, presenting these themes in a way that feels authentic to the local experience without being heavy-handed.
The performances are a highlight, particularly from the two leads, Rolaphton Mercure as the high-strung Zoe and Jasmuel Andri as the laid-back Doc. Their chemistry is magnetic, and the playful banter between the two drives much of the film’s humour. Supporting actors like Gessica Geneus, who plays a headstrong pregnant woman forced into their scheme, and Patrick Joseph as her terrified husband, add depth to the ensemble. The cast’s commitment to their roles brings warmth and relatability to the characters, making the film’s more outlandish moments all the more enjoyable.
At the heart of the film’s social commentary is the issue of class inequality, which has long been a source of friction in Haiti. The vast majority of the population is Black and lives in poverty, while a small, mixed-race elite controls much of the country's wealth and power. This divide is central to Kidnapping Inc., as the plot revolves around the kidnapping of the son of a wealthy presidential candidate, Benjamin Perralt. Zoe and Doc are representative of the many Haitians struggling to make ends meet. Their actions, while comedic, speak to the desperation of those left behind by a system that has failed to provide opportunities for upward mobility. The ransom they seek is a symbol of the glaring wealth gap that continues to define Haitian society.
At its core, Kidnapping Inc. is more than just a crime caper; it’s a vibrant and entertaining film that brings a fresh perspective to the genre. By blending comedy, action, and social commentary, Bruno Mourral has crafted a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It’s a bold debut that signals the arrival of a filmmaker with a distinct voice, and a reminder of the richness of Haitian culture and the untapped potential of its film industry. Kidnapping Inc. is a standout work that deserves attention. Through its vibrant, chaotic energy, the film provides a unique and insightful commentary on the state of Haiti today.
