Any Other Way tells the story of R&B singer Jackie Shane who wowed the Toronto scene in the early 1960s, breaking ground as an out Black trans performer, but retreated from the spotlight while on the cusp of fame. The documentary brings Shane’s story to life in her own words using audio conversations with Mabbott recorded prior to the singer’s death in 2019. The film uses animation and re-enactments with drag performer Makayla Couture alongside an array of archival photos from Shane’s past.
Denied a second act, Shane is recognized with a heartfelt film that celebrates an undersung icon who lived her authentic self, sparkled on her own terms and defied the squares.
Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Any Other Way combines archival materials, interviews and animated reenactments into a compelling investigation of an elusive life, as well as a talent so striking you’ll be amazed it remained forgotten for so long.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
An eye-opening, jaw-dropping, foot-stomping wave of jubilation.
Michael Talbot-Haynes, Film Threat
Michael Mabbott & Lucah Rosenberg
Canada
2024
English
Best Canadian Documentary, 2024, Toronto Film Critics
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Screenwriter
Michael Mabbott, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee
Cinematography
Adam Crosby
Editor
Mike Munn
Original Music
Murray Lightburn
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Canadian Film Week spotlights 18 features, including six Vancouver premieres and four brand new films from BC filmmakers, plus returning classics, new favourites, and free screenings on National Canadian Film Day.
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The Barbarian Invasions
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Incandescence
Filmed across the Okanagan before, during and after several devastating fires by veteran non-fiction filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper (Metamorphosis; ScaredSacred), Incandescence is a mesmerizing cinematic contemplation of the power of wildfires.