This debut feature from Johanné Gómez Terrero examines the past, present and future of those living in the Dominican Republic in a gritty and realistic way.
There is no doubting that Johanné Gómez Terrero’s debut feature film has been exquisitely filmed in a focused way to highlight important topics such as slavery, workers rights, racism and teenage pregnancy. However the more artistic moments feel a distraction from the central story as a whole.
Sugar Island follows the story of teenager Makenya who works on a sugar plantation where change is afoot as modern techniques threaten the livelihood of those who work there. But Makenya’s world is further sent into a spin when she discovers that she is pregnant and forces her to grow up quicker than expected. There is a quiet power behind the way in which the story unfolds, with the many silences speaking just as loudly as the dialogue to keep the audience thoroughly invested in what is unfolding.
At just 90 minutes long, the film does deal with plenty of big issues that deserves plenty of attention and yet because of the runtime it doesn’t feels as though any are explored with the great depth that they deserve. There are three films here built into one.
In addition, the whole atmosphere of the film is one of entrapment, almost of suffocation as seen through the eyes of the older generation in the film – Makenya’s grandfather who stands up for the workers rights demanding pensions and better working conditions is forced to leave forcing a fight to the end by him and the family. This is something that is matched by a scene in which Makenya and a theatre troupe read out the history history of the sugar industry on the island and of course the history of slavery. The hostility between the Dominican Republic and Haiti comes through subtly but powerfully.
The scenes are beautifully filmed, filled with vibrancy and emotion in a way that pulls the audience in effectively. But it feels as though it tries to do too much in terms of plot to the point that it becomes slightly overwhelming. There is also a feel in the way in which it has been filmed a bit more of a documentary style to it that just gives a feel of detachment to it – but these moments are few.
But what is never in doubt is the sheer passion and soul that has clearly gone into the making of this film. It is gritty, believable and ultimately a bold film.
Talking about the film, Johanné Gómez Terrero has previously said: “My niece’s pregnancy at 13, plunged our family into crisis, in a country where abortion is illegal. Despite efforts to find alternatives, time ran out, forcing us to accept the pregnancy. This event reflects a broader generational pattern of early motherhood with an absent fatherhood, wrapped in societal shame and uncertainty. My film delves into the colonial roots of the sugar industry, which exploits Black bodies and perpetuates racial divides.”
With the way in which Sugar Island ends, it is clear that Terrero has still has much more to say on the subject – and it is one that I would be interested to find out more about. Terrero is an intriguing and distinctive filmmaker that much is clear.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐