Mid-Career Productions and Humanity Ova Vanity will this month première Sugar Dumplin starring Jamaican comedy legend Oliver Samuels and rising star and Executive Producer Chantel Riley.

Scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Sunken Gardens at Hope Botanical Gardens, 6:00 pm, the short film explores the intersection of memory, culture, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter.

Sugar Dumplin was created by the award-winning husband-and-wife team at Mid-Career Productions, writer-director Tristan Barrocks, and Producer Natanya Barrocks of Mid-Career Productions.

Artist, activist, and founder of Humanity Ova Vanity Donisha Prendergast steps into the role of executive producer, supporting behind the scenes.

In tandem with the film’s release, Mid-Career Productions and Humanity Ova Vanity 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 to include community screenings, discussions, and initiatives aimed at supporting caregivers and those affected by dementia.

The film 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.

Samuels, known as the king of comedy in Jamaica, brings his unmatched talent to the role of the father.

“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, for her part, 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.”

Writer-director Tristan Barrocks brings a nuanced and visually captivating style to the film, stating: “Directing Sugar Dumplin has been a journey of discovery. We wanted to create a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally rich, capturing the essence of what it means to find connection through shared memories and cultural traditions.”

Natanya Barrocks, the film’s producer, expresses her enthusiasm for the project: “This film is a labour of love. It’s a father-daughter love story that challenges us to reflect on our own relationships through the lens of grace and forgiveness; family restoration… Working with this incredible cast and crew has been an absolute privilege.”

Donisha Prendergast, founder of Humanity Ova Vanity, and executive producer, champions the film’s mission to spark conversation and reflection on the power of food, memory, and cultural heritage. Said Prendergast: “Sugar Dumplin highlights the nuanced experience of Jamaicans living in the diaspora while exploring a topic that is not often discussed in our homes. We have a unique and timely opportunity with this film to be used as a tool for social impact and… a reminder about the importance of healing generational trauma and honouring the traditions…one recipe at a time.”

The première has been endorsed by the Ministry of Health as well as part of the celebrations for Reggae Month by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports.

Sugar Dumplin was recently accepted into Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Beilot Film Festival, and Crown Point International Film Festival, amongst other notable festivals.

Plans are now being made for a tour throughout the Diaspora.