The highly anticipated short film Sugar Dumplin, starring Jamaican comedy icon Oliver Samuels and rising talent Chantel Riley, will have its premiere on February 23 at Sunken Gardens, Hope Botanical Gardens.
The film delves into the intersections of memory, culture, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter, with Riley also serving as an executive producer.
Created by award-winning husband-and-wife duo Tristan and Natanya Barrocks of Mid-Career Productions, Sugar Dumplin also features Donisha Prendergast, multi-hyphenate artist and founder of Humanity Ova Vanity, in an executive producer role.
Alongside the film’s release, the team is launching a social impact campaign to raise awareness about dementia and its effects on Caribbean families, both at home and in the diaspora. Early discussions with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario suggest a potential national campaign across Canada in 2025, including community screenings, discussions, and caregiver support initiatives.
At the heart of Sugar Dumplin is a deeply moving narrative: A young woman (Chantel Riley) desperately tries to reconnect with her estranged father (Oliver Samuels), who is battling dementia. Hoping to rekindle his fading memories, she begins recreating the beloved Caribbean dishes of his childhood—stirring up not just flavors, but also the possibility of healing their fractured relationship.
Samuels, known as Jamaica’s “King of Comedy,” delivers a poignant and heartfelt performance in a role that he describes as deeply personal.
“This story touches on the universal theme of family, but also on the specific cultural experiences that shape who we are,” said Samuels. “I’m honored to be part of a film that showcases the beauty and resilience of our heritage.”
For Riley, the project is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of the ties that bind us.
“Sugar Dumplin is about love, family, and the traditions that keep us connected,” Riley shared. “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, Sugar Dumplin has been “a journey of discovery”, while producer Natanya Barrocks describes it as “a labor of love.”
Executive producer Donisha Prendergast champions the film’s mission, emphasizing the powerful role of food in preserving culture and memory.
“Sugar Dumplin highlights the nuanced experience of Jamaicans in the diaspora while addressing a topic often left unspoken in our homes,” Prendergast said. “This film reminds us of the importance of healing generational trauma, honoring traditions, and preserving our history—one recipe at a time.”
The film’s premiere has received official endorsement from Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, making it an integral part of Reggae Month celebrations.
Sugar Dumplin has also earned official selections at several international film festivals, including the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Beilot Film Festival, and Crown Point International Film Festival. A diaspora tour is in the works, furthering the film’s reach and impact.
With its powerful story and commitment to social change, Sugar Dumplin is set to leave a lasting impression—both on screen and in the conversations it inspires.
