4 months ago
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Sugar Dumplin, a short film that explores the intersection of memory, culture, and the bond between a father and daughter, starring Jamaican comedy legend Oliver Samuels and rising star and executive producer Chantel Riley, premières on February 23 at Sunken Gardens in Hope Botanical Gardens.
Created by the award-winning husband-and-wife team Tristan and Natanya Barrocks of Mid-Career Productions, it sees multi-hyphenate and founder of Humanity Ova Vanity Donisha Prendergast stepping into the role of executive producer.
In tandem with the film’s release, the entities are spearheading a social impact campaign designed to raise awareness about dementia and its impact on families, particularly within the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora in North America.
The Sugar Dumplin team are in early discussions with Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario regarding taking this conversation nationally across Canada in 2025 with a campaign that includes community screenings, discussions, and initiatives aimed at supporting caregivers and those affected by dementia.
Sugar Dumplin tells the story of a young woman (Chantel Riley) who, in a desperate attempt to reconnect with her estranged father (Oliver Samuels), who is suffering from dementia, begins recreating the beloved dishes from his Caribbean childhood. As she stirs up the flavours of his past, she hopes to unlock the memories that have long eluded him and in the process, heal their fractured relationship.
Oliver Samuels, the King of Comedy, brings his unmatched talent to the role of the father, delivering a performance that is both heartwarming and poignant.
“This role was deeply personal for me,” said Samuels. “It’s a story that touches on the universal theme of family, but also on the specific cultural experiences that shape who we are. I’m honoured to be a part of a film that showcases the beauty and resilience of our heritage.”
Riley added, “ Sugar Dumplin is more than just a film; it’s a celebration of the ties that bind us. Working alongside Oliver Samuels and this incredible team has been a transformative experience. I hope this story resonates with everyone who has ever longed to reconnect with their roots.”
For writer and director Tristan Barrocks, it has been “a journey of discovery”, while for Natanya Barrocks, the producer, it has been “a labour of love”.
Prendergast championed the film’s mission to spark conversation and reflection on the power of food, memory and cultural heritage.
“ Sugar Dumplin highlights the nuanced experience of Jamaicans living in the diaspora, while exploring a topic that is not often discussed in our homes. This film is a reminder about the importance of healing generational trauma and honouring the traditions that continue to shape us, while preserving our history, one recipe at a time.”
The première has been endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, which has also officially endorsed the event as a part of the celebrations for Reggae Month.
Sugar Dumplin was recently accepted into the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Beilot Film Festival, and Crown Point International Film Festival. There are plans for a diaspora tour.
English (US) ·