His film “Mon Pote Bruce” retraces the fate of a young man killed in Cité Soleil.
A major international recognition for a deeply human story. Haitian filmmaker Dave Fils-Aimé has been honored in England, winning the award for “Best Documentary Director” at the Film Fest International.
The distinction was awarded for his film “Mon Pote Bruce”, which tells the story of Bruce Wensley Lee Joseph, a 19-year-old aspiring dentist and professional basketball player, tragically killed in 2022 in Cité Soleil.
Through this documentary, the director highlights the devastating impact of gang violence on Haitian youth, turning a broken destiny into a symbol of a broader struggle.
Originally from Martissant, Dave Fils-Aimé has an outstanding academic background, having studied at Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. He later became involved in social initiatives in Haiti, notably through the project Baskètbòl pou Ankadre Lajenès. Deeply affected by Bruce’s death, he dedicated more than three years to the film, handling writing, production, directing, and editing himself, despite limited resources.
In a message shared on social media, he expressed his gratitude:
“I put my heart and soul into this project, and I consider it my greatest achievement so far.”
He also acknowledged the challenges he faced in participating in the festival, thanking partners such as the Prodev Foundation, Sunrise Airways, and the Haitian Embassy in London for their support.
This recognition carries strong symbolic weight: Dave Fils-Aimé was not only the sole representative of Haiti, but also the only Black participant selected for this edition of the festival.
With this award, he highlights the potential of Haitian cinema to bring powerful stories to the global stage while giving a voice to a generation often confronted with violence.
