Sister Nancy Documentary for T&T Film Festival

Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, the newest documentary from award-winning Canadian director Alison Duke, is set to receive a high-profile gala screening at the 2025 Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival, taking place from September 24 to 30.

The film delves into the groundbreaking journey of Jamaican dancehall icon Sister Nancy, whose 1982 anthem Bam Bam has become one of the most sampled reggae tracks in history. The track, immortalized in contemporary hits such as Jay-Z’s 2017 song “Bam” featuring Damian Marley, has long been a cultural touchstone throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Blending electrifying live performances with in-depth interviews and rare archival footage, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of Sister Nancy’s influence. It features contributions from acclaimed artists and producers including Janelle Monáe, Young Guru, and Pete Rock, offering both personal reflections and a broader lens on her legacy in global music.

“We want to celebrate the Caribbean in all its many forms, and Bam Bam is an anthem of the region,” said Mariel Brown, director of the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival. “The film helps us understand more about Sister Nancy — her life, her voice, and the path she carved as a woman in a male-dominated space. It’s a celebration of Caribbean women’s power and talent.”

Produced by Alison Duke and Ngardy Conteh George under the OYA Media Group banner, the film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. Duke, whose previous work includes Mr. Jane and Finch and Cool Black North, will also lead a special masterclass at the festival.

“We hope this masterclass will inspire local filmmakers to tell more stories about the musical brilliance and creative spirit of the Caribbean,” Brown added.

The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival continues to be a major platform for showcasing Caribbean cinema, drawing international attention while celebrating regional voices.