“Reggae Girlz” Documentary Film Premieres at DOC NYC as Team Gears Up for 2027 Campaign

The 85-minute film follows the struggles and underfunded challenges behind the Reggae Girlz’ back-to-back World Cup qualifications, premiering this week in New York. "Bunny" Shaw returns to the squad as the Reggae Girlz name their roster for the 2027 campaign

“Reggae Girlz” film highlights Jamaica’s historic World Cup journey (Photo: Red Bull studios)

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have announced their 21-player squad for Saturday’s 2027 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifying opener against Dominica, with head coach Hubert Busby Jr. confident of a strong start to the campaign.

The squad includes the highly anticipated return of Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who reunites with the team as they begin their journey toward the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Their qualifying push comes just days after the documentary Reggae Girlz premiered at DOC NYC, shining a spotlight on the team’s inspirational rise and their historic showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

The film came together after co-producer Laura Smith connected with the Reggae Girlz in 2020, later bringing in Trish Dalton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as directors. The project began taking shape following Jamaica’s historic qualification for the 2019 World Cup, the first Caribbean women’s team ever to achieve the feat and follows the momentum that reignited global attention around their story.

Through countless Zoom sessions, the filmmakers built a foundation of trust and respect, giving the documentary its intimate tone. The project accelerated even further when Jamaica qualified again in 2022, becoming the first Caribbean team to reach back-to-back Women’s World Cups, prompting Red Bull Studios to step in and fund the film.

“Amplifying the voices of women who are on the frontlines of change,” co-director Obaid-Chinoy said, noting why the Reggae Girlz story aligns with her mission.

A major pillar throughout the journey was Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, whose unwavering support through the Bob Marley Foundation has long been credited with helping sustain the program. Dalton praised Marley’s involvement as a powerful example of “women supporting women.” Cedella later contributed creatively as well, becoming involved with the film’s soundtrack, which is also being released.

The 85-minute film is also available to watch at home as part of DOC NYC’s online festival. “We hope it reaches as wide an audience as possible,” Dalton said.