Jamaican music icon Nadine Sutherland is once again commanding the spotlight, this time not on stage but on screen. The celebrated singer and performer stars in the poignant short film “Someone Loves You”, which took home the coveted “Best Short Film” award at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans on Sunday night.
Running 24 minutes, “Someone Loves You” tells the moving story of an estranged Jamaican family living in New York City. As they navigate the emotional strain of their beloved matriarch’s declining health—herself a once-famous artist—the film delicately explores themes of reconciliation, memory, and cultural legacy. Directed by the talented duo Mandii and Victoria Perry, the film’s win signals a meaningful stride for Caribbean storytelling in global cinema spaces.
Sutherland, who plays a central role in the film, has long been a beloved figure in Jamaican music. Her journey began as a child star, and she quickly rose to fame with hits like Action (with Terror Fabulous) and Babyface. Over the years, she has evolved into not only a seasoned performer but also a mentor, serving as a judge on one of Jamaica’s leading televised talent competitions, Digicel Rising Stars, helping to guide the next generation of Caribbean entertainers.
View this post on Instagram
Fresh from a show-stopping performance at Best of the Best in Miami earlier this year, Nadine continues to captivate audiences with her powerful vocals and stage presence at 57 years old. Her seamless transition from music to film highlights her versatility as an artist and reinforces her influence on Caribbean popular culture.
With the success of Someone Loves You, Nadine Sutherland adds another impressive chapter to her illustrious career. As the film garners more attention on the international circuit, it also amplifies Caribbean voices and narratives—reminding audiences that someone, somewhere, always loves you.
