Marckenson "Moses" Dieudonneé has left his life of crime behind him, but it doesn't seem like his past is quite done with him. He got a good "real" job - cooking final meals, and he wrapped up all his loose ends. Or so he thought. Everything he did, he did for his mother and her prolonged life, as much as she hates that blood money is what funded her recovery. It's strained their relationship, and every day is a struggle to communicate so when the son of his former boss threatens both his life and his mother's, Moses must decide - can he truly abide by his mother's wishes and leave the bloodbath behind?

Vale Li is a film that comes from the depths of my soul and for years now has demanded to come out and be put to the screen, and this year, I am finally able, confident, and grown enough to put this story out there. It is the most personal film I’ve made so far in my early career. It is a love letter and a scathing criticism of the often abusive parent-child relationship in the Haitian immigrant household, while also serving as a celebration of the culture, creativity, and lengths that the community is willing to go for each other. It’s focus on food as a form of communication speaks to the experience that almost every child of first generation immigrants can relate to - no matter how harsh of an argument may have occurred earlier in the day, there will also be a warm meal awaiting your return, and for parents who never learned to use their words - it was the “I love you, I’m sorry” we spent our days waiting for.

I once promised my mother that I would create a film that would help her understand why I loved cinema and the creative arts so much. Unfortunately, in my freshman year, my mother unexpectedly and very suddenly passed away before I could keep my word. I never felt the strength to keep that promise and make that film - until now.

My films are about humans being placed in supernatural or inhumane situations and finding hope at the end of it, regardless. Vale Li is the ultimate expression of this, and as I communicate this story, I hope that one day I can smile while watching it back - over warm plates of good, even warmer smiles, and a home rooted in culture, strength, and heart.

The tone of the film is inspired by the American Eccentric Cinema, focusing on the need for human connection and turning a critical lens to our societal ideals and expectations. It aims to add a black voice to this movement, which has severely lacked them, by channeling Afrosurrealist Cinema through its high-octane drama, action, non-verbal communication, and use of color, blending the two movements into a canvas to be painted upon. To achieve this, the film will feature minimal dialogue, surreal sequencing, and an equal focus on characters and the cultural spaces they inhabit. The act of cooking and the act of violence will be juxtaposed against each other, and both will be used to illustrate the ways characters communicate with one another when words simply can never suffice.

Marckenson “Moses” Dieudonné

Male - Haitian American

A former hitman turned death row meal chef. A man of resolve, who is trying to deal with the guilt of his past. Calculated, kind, but determined and morally flawed. Has a deep sense of love for the people close to him, though often struggles to show it in meaningful ways. A man attempting to heal, but also a man who keeps stopping himself at every turn. Deeply in tune with his culture, and in love with the things that raised him more than anything else. A gentle soul buried under what it takes to live in a world like the one given to him.

Marie Dieudonné 

Female - Haitian 

A wise, strong, kind, and resilient woman who’s survived and thrived through every scenario that life could throw at her. The mother of Marckenson is a trusted leader and advisor in her community. She is cunning, spiritual, and full of heart. Aware that her time has passed, she spends her days worrying about the past and the future. Struck with cancer that forced her son to go into hitman work to pay for her treatments. Feels like she has betrayed her son and robbed him of his humanity. Struggles with generational traumas and communicating her feelings properly.

Ransom Kaiser

Male

The son and heir to the Kaiser Family Syndicate. Took charge after his father’s murder at the hands of Moses, and wanting nothing more than to match his father’s power and gain his father's approval even in death, he runs the syndicate just as ruthlessly. Troubled by his ego, jealousy, and knowing that he is nothing, he tries to present as having strength. Lacks the control of his father, but makes up for it with sheer ferocity and a sharp mind. Has a personal vendetta against Moses and wants to drag Moses back into the criminal underworld to use him as a tool, like his father once did - or make Moses understand the pain of losing a parent. Whatever hurts more.

Dominic Kaiser

Male

The ruthless and family-driven former leader of the Kaiser Family Syndicate. He runs a tight ship, and despite many attempts, his drug empire has proven unbreakable. Strict but loyal and benevolent to those who show him loyalty. A well-educated man who isn’t afraid to use everything at his disposal to get what he wants. Never gets his own hands dirty and often prefers to use the fear that his family’s name brings to get the job done rather than violence. But when violence is “required,” he has an array of hitmen always ready to get the job done. The best one he ever had? Moses. And Dominic loved him, perhaps even more than his own son.

Chef Cass

Female - African American

The head chef of the Death Row Kitchen. Despite the impacts of her job, she is caring, sweet, and dedicated to making sure that no matter how heinous someone's crime, they can leave the world with one last good meal. She's a strong and respected leader, building her life from the ground up. Comes from a family that often cycled through the prison system and found cooking as her escape.

Temona

Female - African American

A for-hire hitman who often worked with Moses during his days working for the Kaiser Family. She is a woman of few words and highly analytical. Despite her job, she seems to have held onto her humanity. Her reasons for her work are unknown, and she taught Moses much of what he knows now. Remained an acquaintance even after Moses split ways with the Kaiser family. Views Information as the ultimate source of power and never reveals more than she needs to.

Attorney Fred Sol

Male - African American

A rising star attorney and a close friend of Moses. Quick to anger but also quick on his feet. Known for putting together ragtag cases and being highly detail-oriented. Somewhat clueless when it comes to anything outside the law, but his knowledge about the law is unmatched. Attempting to use his career in law to support a later career as an artist. Takes on Moses' case as a favor to his long-time friend.

Vale Li is in pre-production and will enter production for three weeks in early September 2026. We aim to raise $3,000 in our first round of crowdfunding to secure our locations, equipment, production design elements, and fund our travel & lodging needs.

Production will take place in the Greater Boston Area and in Brockton. Major location and production design aspects include a full operating industrial kitchen and the construction of an electric chair set piece. Production will be split half and half between a soundstage and on-location shooting.

All project updates will be shared on our Instagram, @valeli.film! Check out @tarot77productions for our other original projects, and follow the Vale Li Seed & Spark for project updates. Consider sharing your support on social media as an alternative, valuable donation. All funds raised from this campaign go directly into this project. From small plates to full courses, every donation helps!