An American horror film from 1988 directed by Wes Craven, based on the eponymous non-fiction book by ethnobotanist Wade Davis. The screenplay was written by Richard Maxwell and Adam Rodman. In his book, Davis describes a trip to Haiti where he investigated the real-life story of Clairvius Narcisse — a man who, according to eyewitnesses, was poisoned, buried alive, and then 'resurrected' with the help of a special potion that induces a state resembling death. This substance, according to legend, was used in voodoo rituals to create so-called zombies. Filming took place in Boston (Massachusetts), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), and Haiti. However, political instability and civil unrest in Haiti jeopardized the safety of the film crew. Local authorities openly warned producers that they could not guarantee the safety of actors and staff. As a result, it was decided to complete filming in the Dominican Republic, which, due to its natural and architectural conditions, could substitute for Haiti on screen.

Filming Locations:

Square

In the Movie

Scene where a man named Christophe suddenly dies in a French missionary clinic in Haiti. At the moment of his death, a colorful parade dedicated to voodoo rituals passes by the hospital window. The next day, Christophe is buried according to Catholic traditions. Among those present at the funeral is a mysterious man in a suit, whom Christophe had seen outside the window on the night of his death. As the coffin is lowered into the ground, something sinister happens: Christophe's eyes open, and tears stream down his cheeks.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Port-au-Prince — the capital and largest city of Haiti, located on the coast of the Gulf of Gonâve. This city, with a rich but tragic history, was an important cultural and political center of the country. In the 1980s, when filming took place, Port-au-Prince was a contrasting space: colonial architecture coexisted with impoverished neighborhoods, and the atmosphere was tense due to political instability and unrest.

Jungle

In the Movie

Scene where the corporation provides Alan with funding and sends him to Haiti. Conducting research with the support of a local doctor, Dr. Marielle Duchamp, Alan finds Christophe — a man who, it turns out, is alive seven years after his death and burial. During his search, Alan stumbles upon a mysterious nighttime voodoo ritual taking place deep in the jungle.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Saut-d'Eau waterfalls — one of the most sacred and picturesque places in Haiti. These waterfalls, located about 60 kilometers north of Port-au-Prince, play an important role in local culture and spiritual life. According to legend, in the 19th century, the Virgin Mary appeared on a tree near the waterfall, after which the site became a place of mass pilgrimage. Every summer, thousands of believers come here to participate in rituals that combine Catholic and voodoo traditions: people cleanse themselves in the waters of the waterfall, make offerings to spirits (loa), and ask for healing.

Airport

In the Movie

Scene where Alan wakes up and finds himself lying next to the decapitated body of Christophe's sister. The Tonton Macoute — the secret police of the regime — enter the room, photograph the crime scene, and frame Alan for the murder. Captain Peytraud orders him to leave the country immediately, threatening that if he ever returns, he will be tried, executed, and then Peytraud will take possession of his soul. Alan has no choice and is put on a plane to the United States. However, before takeoff, Mozart secretly boards the plane and manages to pass Alan the zombie powder.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince — the country's main air gateway. This airport, named after the leader of the Haitian Revolution, is located north of the city and plays a strategically important role.