In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with the writer, director, and lead actor behind The Tropic Sun and His Eyes. We discuss the journey of bringing such a personal story to life, balancing multiple creative roles throughout production, and the themes that lie at the heart of the film. Join us for an insightful conversation about independent filmmaking, creative collaboration, and the passion that made The Tropic Sun and His Eyes a reality.

Elisee Junior St. Preux is a Haitian-American filmmaker, writer, and producer. He made his feature directorial debut with The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, which he also wrote and produced. Filmed on location in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, the film explores themes of family, identity, faith, and generational healing while showcasing the country’s people and landscapes. The film celebrated its world premiere in the International Narrative Competition at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, introducing St. Preux as an emerging voice in independent cinema.

Stevenson Jean is an actor who stars as Ruben in The Tropic Sun and His Eyes. His performance anchors the film as a young man returning to Haiti in hopes of reconnecting with his estranged father, earning praise for its emotional depth and quiet strength. The Tropic Sun and His Eyes marks his first leading role in a feature film and premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.