Sugar Island: A Dominican Film that Explores Teenage Pregnancy and the Sugar Industry
The Film
Sugar Island, a new Dominican film, tells the story of teenage pregnancy and the sugar industry. The film, directed by Johanné Gómez Terrero, was praised at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, which celebrates innovative auteur cinema.
The film follows the journey of Makenya, a Dominican-Haitian teenager who lives in the Batey, a community surrounded by sugarcane fields. An unwanted pregnancy triggers her journey into adulthood, and she and her sugarcane farmer grandfather protest the mechanization of the sugar industry. A serpent appears in her path, embodying The Mysteries, entities that guide her towards recognizing her earthly power and her awareness in a parallel and Afro-futuristic dimension.
The Director
Johanné Gómez Terrero, an Afro-diasporic artist, positions her work within a Caribbean and decolonial framework. Her field of interest and study encompasses Complex Thinking, Anti-Racist Struggle, and Marronage Cinema. The short documentary ‘Caribbean Fantasy’ sparked her career as a director, and she is also involved as a producer and consultant in various development labs. Johanné is a graduate, teacher, and chair coordinator at EICTV Cuba, and holds a Master’s Degree from ESCAC in Spain.
Inspiration
The story was initially inspired by events within Johanné’s own family. Her 13-year-old niece experienced a pregnancy, and her sister felt she had failed as a mother. Johanné’s mother and grandmother also faced pregnancies before reaching adulthood, which compelled them to relinquish their dreams and focus on providing for their children. Additionally, they navigated their path alone, with an absent father.
Awards and Recognition
The film was honored by the Fai Persona Lavoro Ambiente Foundation for its strong labor and environmental themes, focusing on the mechanization of agriculture and the lack of recognition of labor rights. Additionally, it received an honorable mention from the Inclusione e Sostenibilitá Edipo Re, an award supporting the distribution of films with high artistic and cultural value in Italian cinemas.
Conclusion
Sugar Island is a powerful film that explores the themes of teenage pregnancy, the sugar industry, and the struggles of the Afro-diasporic community. The film’s unique blend of Afro-futurism and decolonialism makes it a standout in the film industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the film Sugar Island about?
A: The film tells the story of a Dominican-Haitian teenager who becomes pregnant and her journey into adulthood.
Q: Who directed the film?
A: Johanné Gómez Terrero directed the film.
Q: What awards has the film received?
A: The film has received an honorable mention from the Inclusione e Sostenibilitá Edipo Re and was honored by the Fai Persona Lavoro Ambiente Foundation.
Q: What themes does the film explore?
A: The film explores themes of teenage pregnancy, the sugar industry, and the struggles of the Afro-diasporic community.
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