Nadine Sutherland’s Acting Debut “Someone Loves You” Wins Best Short Film at Essence Film Fest

Veteran reggae artist Nadine Sutherland made a successful transition into acting, as her debut short film “Someone Loves You” won Best Short Film at the Essence Film Festival. “I’m overwhelmed, this was beyond my wildest expectations,” said the elated Sutherland

Nadine Sutherland (right) with fellow cast members of "Someone Loves You" at the Essence Film Festival (Photo: Gettyimages)

Veteran Jamaican reggae singer and now actress Nadine Sutherland has won the Best Short Film award at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans, with her acting debut in "Someone Loves You" earning top honors in its category on Sunday, July 6..

Sutherland stars in the film, marking her first-ever acting role. She is joined by a cast that includes Taral Hicks Dawson, Mark Anthony Williams, Eonnah Lynae, and others. "Someone Loves You" was directed and written by Amanda Mandii and Victoria Perry.

“I was stoked just to know that our film was chosen to be screened. To be at Essence Fest physically representing was exciting and exhilarating. To know that we won Best Short Film was beyond my wildest expectations,” Sutherland shared with Kaboom Magazine. “I’m happy, I’m proud, I’m overwhelmed. This is my first acting role! I’m so thankful.”

The 23-minute narrative short explores the emotional journey of an estranged Jamaican family living in New York City, as they come to terms with the declining health of their beloved matriarch,a once-famous artist.

The film was shot in the Bronx, New York, last year and had a private screening in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 1.

Curated and presented by ESSENCE Studios, the Essence Film Festival highlights global Black stories and storytellers across the diaspora. The event showcases original films, episodic projects, animation, podcasts, and new media, while also featuring panel discussions, workshops, celebrity talks, and more. It takes place as part of the larger Essence Festival of Culture weekend in New Orleans, which this year featured performances by reggae icon Buju Banton on Saturday, as well as Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido.