Nanny of the Maroons, Jamaica’s only national heroine, is the subject of a documentary titled Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess that will air on American TV on June 3 at 8 pm. (The African Channel).
The one-hour film tells the story of the struggle for freedom of the Jamaican Maroons led by Grandy Nanny, a skilled spiritual leader, guerilla fighter, and herbalist who led the Maroons in neutralising the British firepower. Shot in Jamaica, Ghana, the UK, the US, and other locations over two years, the documentary features interviews with scholars and experts, as well as Maroon and non-Maroon women in Jamaican history and society.
The film explores Nanny’s intriguing story using songs, performances, art, poetry, and a series of re-enactments. One of the highlights of the film is the documentation of a three-day trek to the rugged hills of Old Nanny Town in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Queen Nanny is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman who remains a symbol of resistance and strength in Jamaica and beyond.
The documentary sheds light on the role of Maroon and non-Maroon women in Jamaican history and society today and the enduring legacy of Queen Nanny. The film is a prelude to telling the epic story of this larger-than-life legend, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding history and the contributions of women to the struggle for freedom.
The film is co-created by Jamaica-born filmmaker Roy T. Anderson and Harcourt Fuller and features interviews with notable figures such as Professor Verene Shepherd, Rita Marley, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Portia Simpson Miller, US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and former New York City councilwoman Una Clarke.
