Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
The mission of the Centre d'art et essai de la Cinémathèque québécoise (CAECQ) is to primary program Quebec-made documentaries and independent fiction, as well as international documentaries, animated and foreign films, while encouraging opportunities for meetings between the public and the artists. Its programming is presented in conjunction with the Cinémathèque québécoise’s under the label New releases.
Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival 2024
The iconic track Bam Bam has left a mark on music since taking the industry by storm in 1982, but what do we know of the incredible artist who laid her passionate vocals down to give it life? Sister Nancy is one of the most legendary Dancehall artists to grace a mic, and yet the understanding of her impact and legacy suffers beyond diehards of the genre. It’s time to rectify that. The song that has become a sample darling and star-making vehicle for many artists now brings into focus the trials, tribulations and rousing success of its original songstress.
The film will be presented with French subtitles.
Alison Duke
Alison Duke is an award-winning writer, director, and producer known for fearless storytelling that centers underrepresented voices. She co-founded OYA Media Group with Ngardy Conteh George, producing acclaimed works like Mr. Jane and Finch, Black Community Mixtapes, and A Mother Apart. Her docuseries Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music won the 2025 Canadian Screen Award for Best History Documentary Program or Series, and a Silver Award at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. Her debut documentary, Raisin’ Kane: A Rapumentary, produced by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), launched her enduring focus on music documentaries. Since then, she’s become known as one of Canada’s top documentary filmmakers and has earned the unofficial title of “Queen of Music Docs” for her work spotlighting musicians and music scenes. She’s celebrated for her signature one-take scenes and a visual style that’s both dynamic and emotionally resonant. Her latest, Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, premiered at Tribeca 2024 and is touring internationally, where audiences are embracing its unapologetic Caribbean feminist lens and electrifying energy.
Bio & photo: OYA Media Group
