This screening is part of Filmfest Aachen 2025

Sugar Island

Dominican Republic, 2024, 91 min, Johanne Gómez Terrero, Spanish, NRW Premiere
Original version with english subtitles

Sugar Island redefines the coming-of-age story through Makenya, a young girl from a remote batey community in the Dominican Republic. Her journey into adulthood is shaped not by rebellion but by unwanted pregnancy, poverty, and collective struggle. With stunning visuals and subtle political undertones, it reflects on colonial legacies while staying grounded in the present. A deeply local yet universally resonant tale, Sugar Island is both intimate and urgently relevant.

Sugar Island redefines the coming-of-age story by focusing on Makenya, a young girl from a remote Batey community in the Dominican Republic. Her coming of age is not characterized by rebellion, but by unwanted pregnancy, poverty and community realities. The film combines documentary and fictional elements and shows the resilience rooted in family and community. With striking images and subtle political undertones, it reflects on colonial legacies while remaining anchored in the here and now. A deeply local, yet universally touching story. Sugar Island is both intimate and urgent.

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