See it first: Pictures of Jimmy Jean Louis as Toussaint Louverture

Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis has had a good year making the news in Hollywood and in Africa. His role as Toussaint Louverture in a mini-series/ biographical movie to be released in winter 2011 on the channel France 2 has been described as his most significant role yet.

Jimmy plays the role of the 17th century revolutionary who led the Haitian independence from France and says it is the biggest role he has ever had to play. 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.

Jimmy Jean Louis, who has been filming in Martinique and Ile-de-France, had to learn to ride a horse well to embody the precursor of Haitian independence in this TV-movie. This mini-series is directed by filmmaker Philippe Niang and will also have parts played by Aïssa Maïga, Sonia Rolland, Samuel Lebihan, Edouard Montoute and Hubert Koundé. Filming is expected to go on until early summer but until then, enjoy these exclusive pictures from the shoot.

Jimmy Jean-Louis describes the role as his most important role to date. 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.