Overview:
Haitian-American filmmaker Rachelle Salnave turned her personal journey to reclaim Haitian citizenship into a documentary that explores identity, family and the relationship between Haiti and its diaspora. “Dual Citizen,” which premiered at the DC Caribbean Film Festival on June 6, follows Salnave and her father as they navigate Haiti’s dual nationality process and confront larger questions about what it means to belong to two countries.
When Haitian-American filmmaker Rachelle Salnave decided to reclaim her Haitian citizenship, she anticipated paperwork, bureaucracy, and legal hurdles. She did not realize how much this decision would make her think about family, identity, exile, and belonging.
These themes form the core of her latest documentary, Dual Citizen, in which Salnave, together with her father, embarks on a journey exploring the issues of dual nationality in Haiti and, more broadly, what it means to feel connected to those two countries. Having just completed several screenings in South Florida, the documentary premiered at the DC Caribbean Film Festival on June 6.
The Haitian Times sat down with Salnave ahead of the premiere for an interview in which she discussed what drove her to make the film, how the process deepened her relationship with her father, and what she hopes audiences take away.
Editorial Note: The interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity.
The Haitian Times: What first inspired you to turn your own citizenship journey into a documentary?
Rachelle Salnave: I was inspired by the work of Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, a Haitian-American advocacy group based in Chicago led by Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste. Their efforts helped push for Haiti’s 2012 constitutional amendment restoring Haitians rights that were lost under the 1987 constitution. I wanted to put that amendment to the test and understand what it meant in practice.
Initially, my goal was simple: I hoped to obtain my Haitian citizenship and eventually vote in Haiti. As the process unfolded, I realized it raised bigger questions about citizenship, family, history, and the relationship between Haiti and its diaspora. What began as a personal mission evolved into a much larger story.
THT: How did making this film change your relationship with your father?
Salnave: The film gave us an opportunity to spend time together in a way that adulthood rarely allows. We traveled, debated, laughed, and confronted difficult questions about Haiti and politics. While we don’t always agree, the experience gave us a deeper understanding of one another and ultimately strengthened our bond. It reminded me that family relationships can grow even when people see the world differently. Love conquers all.
THT: What reactions from Haitian audiences have stood out to you the most during these screenings?
Salnave: What has struck me most is how personal the responses have been. People often come up afterward and share their own stories about citizenship, migration, family separation, or returning to Haiti. The family dynamics between my father and me have resonated deeply with audiences. Our disagreements around Haitian and American politics, our different values, and our debates throughout the film have reminded many viewers of conversations happening within their own families. People really see themselves in us.
THT: You previously mentioned the “gray areas” in Haiti’s dual citizenship process. What changes would you most like to see happen?
Salnave: I would like to see greater consistency and transparency. The Constitution is one thing, but citizens should not have to rely on conflicting interpretations depending on which office or official they encounter.
I would love to see a clear, step-by-step process available online, along with more uniform language and procedures across Haiti’s consulates and government offices. A smoother and more accessible process would benefit both Haitians living in Haiti and members of the diaspora seeking to reconnect.
THT: How has living in Jacmel over the past few years influenced your understanding of Haiti and the diaspora?
Salnave: Living in Jacmel changed my perspective completely. It moved Haiti from being an idea or inheritance to being a daily reality. I gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges people navigate, as well as the creativity and complexity of life there. It helped me understand that the relationship between Haiti and the diaspora is far more nuanced than many of us imagine from afar.
THT: What does the title “Dual Citizen” mean to you emotionally, beyond the legal definition?
Salnave: Beyond the legal definition, “Dual Citizen” represents the reality of living between worlds. It reflects the privileges, responsibilities, tensions, and contradictions that come with maintaining connections to more than one country.
For me, the title is ultimately less about passports and more about navigating multiple histories, loyalties, and ways of seeing the world. At a deeper level, the film also raises questions about borders themselves and the ways they shape how we move, participate, and connect with one another.
THT: What’s next for the film?
Salnave: We are currently pursuing a broader festival run while continuing conversations with community organizations, educational institutions, and cultural partners. My hope is that the film continues to travel, spark dialogue, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about citizenship, family, and Haiti’s relationship with its diaspora.
