Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

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