Jimmy Jean-Louis wraps up shoot as Haitian icon, Toussaint Louverture

Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis, who has had a good year making the news in Hollywood and in Africa has finally wrapped up his much-talked about role as Toussaint Louverture in a mini-series/biographical movie to be released in winter 2011 via Channel France 2.

Jimmy plays the role of the 17th century revolutionary who led the Haitian independence from France. Louverture led the first successful slave revolt in world history by giving the imperialist armies led by Napolean Bonaparte their first defeat. The actions of Louverture established the first black nation in the western hemisphere and the first free nation in it as well. He is noted for his military genius and political acumen which prepared the way for the creation of the independent black state of Haiti. The success of Louverture and the Haitian Revolution shook the institution of slavery throughout the ‘new world’ of the Americas.

After wrapping up a rather arduous shoot that required him to learn to ride a horse well to embody the precursor of Haitian independence, Jimmy describes it as “…a great adventure…my most gratifying project yet.”

The actor who gained mass acceptance in Africa for his role as a Nigerian in the hit romantic comedy, ‘Phat Girlz’, continues explore African movies.  He starred in three films that received honours at the 2011 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Jimmy’s role as an abusive husband in the psychological drama, ‘Sinking Sands’, also earned him a ‘Best Actor in A Leading Role’ nomination at the AMAA