Reggae Girlz

Filmmaker(s)

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy – Director
Trish Dalton – Director

Running Time

Feature Film

85 minutes

Genres

Documentary

Reggae Girlz

During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Jamaican women’s football team challenged the powerhouses of France and Brazil in historic matches. Fighting against all odds, the groundbreaking and beloved team proves to the world with heart and determination, anything is possible.

Set against the backdrop of one of the most attended women’s sporting events in history, the documentary follows the Reggae Girlz on their extraordinary journey to Australia. When the team is struggling from limited resources, the Bob Marley Foundation and Cedella Marley, the team’s ambassador, step in to help pave their way. As the first Caribbean team to qualify for two consecutive World Cups, the team is determined to prove that, even with everything against them, their talent and resilience are unstoppable. This is more than just a sports story; it’s a powerful testament to courage, determination, and the relentless fight against adversity.

Two-time Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton bring to life the ultimate underdog story. “Reggae Girlz” is a vibrant portrayal of Jamaica’s heart and soul, with the rhythms of Bob Marley’s reggae, fueled by the spirit of the Jamaican people. The film embodies Marley’s iconic words, “football is freedom”.

Filmmaker Notes:

We were driven to make this film because it captures a groundbreaking and historic moment in sports: the Reggae Girlz became the first Caribbean football team, male or female, to qualify for two consecutive World Cups and advance to the quarterfinals. Their extraordinary journey was achieved with minimal resources, limited training, and immense pressure is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of women united by their belief in themselves.

What began as a story about football quickly revealed itself to be much more. These young women have faced poverty, violence, sexism, and societal disapproval, and yet they refused to back down. Through football, they found not only global opportunity but also hope, agency, and a sense of purpose. Their fight extended far beyond the pitch: it was a fight for recognition, dignity, and the right to dream.

Set against Jamaica’s rich and contrasting landscapes, from rural hills to gritty urban neighborhoods, we followed their journey through intimate vérité moments with family and community, through high-stakes matches on the world stage. Woven together with the music of Bob Marley and other iconic Jamaican artists grounds the film in cultural pride, resistance, and rhythm.

A vital force in the team’s rise is Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s eldest daughter, whose unwavering support, alongside the Bob Marley Foundation, provided critical resources and emotional strength. Cedella stood by the team with fierce love and purpose, carrying forward her father’s message: Football is Freedom. Recognizing and honoring her role was essential to us, not only because of her tangible impact, but because we, too, have been lifted by the support of other women.

The Reggae Girlz’ story unfolded during a transformative time for women’s football. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the largest in history, breaking records and marking a cultural shift. As women who grew up playing sports without visibility or institutional backing, witnessing sold-out stadiums and global enthusiasm was deeply personal and profoundly moving.

This film is more than a celebration. It is a call to action. We hope it inspires audiences to champion women’s football, especially players from under-resourced nations who continue to prove their worth against all odds. This is a story of sisterhood, sacrifice, and triumph. Above all, it is a story of belief.