French Guiana is rarely depicted in cinema, often limited to showcasing its landscapes, jungles, shorelines, and gold mines. However, director Maxime Jean-Baptiste, with his film “Listen to the Voices” (“Kouté vwa”), featured in Locarno’s Filmmakers of the Present section and sold by MoreThan Films, sought to steer clear of these typical portrayals.
In a conversation with Variety, Jean-Baptiste referenced the French ’70s adventure film “Jean Galmot, Aventurier” as an example of what he wanted to avoid, a film where his father had also appeared as an extra.
Jean-Baptiste’s films often explore family connections, and “Listen to the Voices” is no exception, co-written by his sister Audrey and inspired by the tragic death of their cousin, Lucas Diomar, in 2012. The film follows 13-year-old Melrick, who spends his summer in French Guiana with his grandmother Nicole to escape life in Paris.
Nicole has found a way to cope, but Yannick, who witnessed Lucas’s death, remains deeply affected. Jean-Baptiste aimed to depict these varied stages of grief, questioning how his film could help heal these emotional wounds. The title “Kouté vwa,” French Créole for “Listen to the Voices,” reflects the film’s poetic exploration of intertwined testimonies.
Collaboratively developed with the actors, the film blends documentary and fiction, allowing Jean-Baptiste to address grief and the lingering effects of colonialism with nuanced storytelling. The film leaves the audience pondering the unresolved grief and the uncertain future of its characters.