Wanly Florexile’s path to filmmaking was not paved with privilege or access. Born in Haiti and raised in Brooklyn, the independent director, actor, and screenwriter has taken the long road through life’s many twists, including law enforcement and real estate stints before landing where he feels most at home: behind the camera.
His latest film, “Joseph,” is a character-driven thriller that explores faith, moral ambiguity, and identity in the Haitian-American experience. For Florexo, it’s his most personal and ambitious work yet.
“Joseph is about a conflicted Christian man — a guy caught between the religious expectations of his parents and his addiction to gambling,” Florexo said in an interview. “He’s trying to balance the Bible in one hand and temptation in the other. But when he witnesses a robbery, his entire life unravels.”
Florexile, who plays the lead role, described the film as a gritty thriller-drama hybrid. He originally developed it as a short film titled “Thanksgiving,” a metaphorical piece about morality and regret. However, as the story grew in scope — and after distributors warned that the title could get lost among similarly named films — he and co-writer Jonathan decided to reframe the project.
“Thanksgiving worked artistically, but from a business standpoint, it just didn’t stand out,” he said. “So we renamed it ‘Joseph,’ which centers everything around the character’s inner conflict and identity.”
That decision marks the evolution of a filmmaker learning to balance artistry with industry demands — something Florexile has grown more attuned to as he builds his résumé. His last film, “Life of a Zo,” found modest success online and helped him gain momentum in the indie scene. With Joseph, he hopes to elevate his work to a new level.
“I want this film to stand on its own,” he said. “We didn’t have a Hollywood budget, but we made something powerful, something unique. That’s what independent film is all about — creativity without compromise.”
Premiering on June 6 with a red carpet event at 1041 Flushing Ave. in Brooklyn, “Joseph” showcases not only Florexile’s directorial vision but also his deep commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. The film weaves rich Haitian cultural elements into a powerful narrative exploring morality, identity, and redemption.
For Florexile, independent filmmaking is both a challenge and a mission. He is awaiting the release of Behavior, a completed film focused on mental health. The film’s release date remains uncertain despite clearing quality control checks for streaming platforms like Tubi, Amazon Prime, and others.
“We submitted it months ago, and it passed all the technical requirements,” he said. “But with how crowded the streaming pipeline is right now, we’re still waiting. That’s the hardest part — you finish a project, and then you wait for the green light.”
Even with those frustrations, Florexile remains hopeful and focused. He speaks with gratitude for the support he’s received and for the growing visibility of his production school, Flo X School Academy.
“I just want to see it grow — for more people to get the opportunity to create,” he said. “And I want to see Haiti stabilize, so people back home can chase their dreams too.”
His message to aspiring filmmakers is clear: keep going.
“If I can do it, anyone can,” he said. “I didn’t have big connections or money — I had a vision and put in the work. That’s what it takes.”
As “Joseph” heads toward its June debut and “Behavior” waits in the wings, he stands as a powerful example of independent filmmaking’s potential, not just to entertain, but to inspire.
