Gessica Généus Wins 'Hugo d'Or' for New Director at Chicago International Film Festival
Haitian filmmaker honored for 'Marie Madeleine' in the festival's New Directors category.
Haitian director Gessica Généus has won the 'Hugo d'Or' in the New Directors category of the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival for her latest film, 'Marie Madeleine,' according to Le Nouvelliste. The festival is being held this year from October 14 to 25. The announcement was made on Friday, October 23, 2026, by Cinema/Chicago, the nonprofit association that organizes the event, which is regarded as the oldest international film festival in the Americas. Généus had been competing in the festival's New Directors category. The award marks another distinction for the filmmaker, who has continued to earn recognition on the international circuit. Le Nouvelliste noted that Généus has previously been praised by writer Dany Laferrière as 'une éblouissante cinéaste' (a dazzling filmmaker). Further details of the award and the film were available to registered readers of the source outlet. The recognition adds to a string of honors for Haitian cinema cited by the outlet, including distinctions at Fifac 2026 and the RECICO festival in Cotonou.