By Shael Lee
Tico Armand, an accomplished actress and storyteller, takes on the role of Magda in the highly anticipated film July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti? The film delves into a deeply significant and controversial moment in Haitian history. In this exclusive interview, Tico shares her thoughts on portraying Magda, her connection to the character, and the broader impact of the film.
Magda is a compelling yet flawed character, embodying both resilience and vulnerability. For Tico, this duality was a major draw to the role. “Strength does not mean the absence of flaws. Magda was a reflection of me in many ways. I have the self-awareness to recognize my imperfections while maintaining my inner fortitude to keep growing and embracing the journey,” she explains. The most intriguing aspect of playing Magda was the authentic connection it created. “Two things can be true at once: being vulnerable and strong. That connection between Magda and me was organic.”
The film addresses a painful chapter in Haitian history, making it emotionally charged for those involved. When asked about her preparation for the role, Tico revealed that she did not have to prepare in a conventional sense. “I’m not into politics, but when I let the question settle into my subconscious, I realized I didn’t have to prepare; this is reality for me and my people. The only thing I had to do was tap into those emotions.” She recalls the moment she heard the news and the immediate grief she felt as a mother, as a daughter who lost her father at a young age, and as someone deeply connected to Haiti.
“We’ve all failed Haiti in some way, and I’m still on the journey of figuring out the best way to play my part in the country’s rise,” she adds.
Magda is both manipulative and ambitious, always seeking power and wealth. Playing a character with such self-serving motives presented a unique challenge, but Tico embraced it with an insightful perspective. “One must first comprehend the purpose of these traits. One can apply the same manipulative skills to lead, teach, and inspire. The ethics lie in the intention and impact.” For Tico, the job was to portray Magda truthfully. “My intention was to do my job, and I did. What’s not to like?!? Lol.”
With experience both in front of and behind the camera, Tico brought a rich perspective to the role. “As a storyteller, the truth is that the story never ends. I was familiar with Magda’s story both before and after I received the script. There are Magdas reading this very interview—they understand what it means to make difficult choices to survive.” Tico used personal emotional memories to authentically connect with Magda’s journey, adding nuanced reactions based on her own life observations.
For Tico, July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti? It’s more than just a film; it’s a movement. “This movie represents reclaiming our narrative power, creating dialogue about difficult truths, and using cinema to break the silence around historical and contemporary issues. It forces audiences to confront uncomfortable realities.” She sees the film as a cultural revolution in Caribbean cinema, centering authentic stories and experiences while moving beyond stereotypes. “This is a movement, and we have just entered the chat.”
Above all, Tico hopes the film empowers audiences. “Never give up on your dreams. Never apologize for embracing your authentic voice or what makes you happy.” She urges the audience to maintain curiosity and not remain silent, as she believes these actions pave the way for genuine solutions and positive transformation.
As of July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti? As the film prepares to make its mark, Tico Armand’s powerful portrayal of Magda will undoubtedly leave audiences reflecting on history, identity, and resilience. Her words serve as both a challenge and an invitation to think deeper, to engage, and to never stop seeking the truth.
