MIAMI — South Florida is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the country.

For filmmaker and producer Rachelle Salnave, that makes Miami’s film festival in Little Haiti the perfect place to debut her film “Dual Citizen.”

“While this story is based in Haiti, it could have taken place anywhere,” Salnave said.

“Dual Citizen” follows Salnave and her father as they navigate Haiti’s dual citizenship law.

In 2012, Haiti lifted its ban on dual nationality, allowing citizens to reclaim their status.

“It’s educating the actors in that work in each department of those processes that need to be cleared and clarified. Eventually we breakthrough because I’m like the constitution is right here,” she said.

Another film to watch this weekend is “Melodrama.”

The romance explores long-standing tensions between Haitians and Dominicans.

Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis plays a Haitian construction worker who falls for a Dominican woman.

“That division is done for a certain reason and I think I understand why, understand it. I don’t think we should fall into that trap,” Jean-Louis said.

Jean-Louis said the story will resonate with local viewers.

“I believe all South Floridians will identify. We live in a world where you have all those tensions going on as well. I think they’ll get it. At the end of the day it’s about love,” he said.

Both films will draw different crowds during the film festival, but they share a common theme.

“Most of all they’ll go home with something. They probably learned but they’ve experienced,” he said.

“Melodrama” premieres Friday night at Silverspot Cinema and screens again Saturday.

“Dual Citizen” will play again next month for Haitian Heritage Month in Coral Gables and Fort Lauderdale.

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