Haitian filmmaker Koralie Barrau wins Emmy for climate coverage documentary, an event that highlights Haitian talent on the international stage. The prestigious award, presented at the Emmy News & Documentary 2025 ceremony, recognizes the documentary “Maui’s Deadly Firestorm” in the Climate, Environment and Exceptional Weather category.
This film, broadcast on PBS as part of the FRONTLINE series, looks back at the tragic fires that struck Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, causing over 100 deaths and shattering an entire community.
What is the News & Documentary Emmy ceremony?
The News & Documentary Emmy ceremony is an annual event organized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to honor excellence in television journalism and documentary production. It is held on two separate evenings in New York, the first devoted to the “news” categories and the second to documentaries.
The winners are selected from thousands of entries by a jury of industry professionals. This prestigious ceremony highlights the works and talents that have left their mark on current events and contemporary history, through powerful and engaging narratives.
Who is Koralie Barrau?
Award winner Koralie Barrau is a Haitian-American documentary producer and journalist based in New York. A graduate of the London School of Economics with a master’s degree in communications and international development, she quickly made a name for herself in the world of audiovisual journalism. She has collaborated with renowned institutions such as FRONTLINE (PBS), BBC World News and Lincoln Center, demonstrating a rare expertise in documentary storytelling.
Koralie Barrau’s work is characterized by a human and committed approach, a willingness to give a voice to affected communities and to highlight social, environmental and cultural issues. On her social networks, she expressed her gratitude to her all-women team, and to the people of Lahaina who entrusted her with their stories of unimaginable loss.
Maui's Deadly Firestorm" documentary and its impact
“Maui’s Deadly Firestorm” explores the root causes of the Lahaina disaster, including the climate crisis, flaws in risk management and the authorities’ chaotic response. This documentary puts into perspective the human and structural consequences of an extreme climatic event, while questioning the capacity of societies to adapt to new environmental challenges. Koralie Barrau wins the Emmy for Climate Coverage, bringing a critical depth and rare sensitivity to the story.
As Associate Producer, Koralie Barrau carried out in-depth research, gathered poignant testimonies from survivors and analyzed crisis management. Her involvement has enabled her to offer a nuanced and respectful vision of the realities experienced by the people of Maui. Koralie Barrau wins the Emmy for Climate Coverage for her ability to transform tragedy into a universal message of resilience and solidarity.
Added value for Haiti and the Caribbean
Koralie Barrau’s victory is a source of pride for Haiti and the Caribbean. It proves that the region’s talents can excel at the highest level, inspiring a new generation of creators and journalists. This success encourages Haitian youth to believe in the power of their voices and to engage in storytelling that matters.
Koralie Barrau wins Emmy for her documentary on climate coverage, affirming the place of Haitians in global investigative journalism. Her career illustrates the importance of diversity in reporting major events, and reinforces the legitimacy of Caribbean voices in international debates on climate, the environment and social justice.
