Synopsis

Once rivaling the likes of Etta James and Little Richard, Jackie Shane was an R&B star and transgender soul singer who has since faded from public memory. Fiercely committed to living her truth, she blazed a bold and unique path. After disappearing from the spotlight for over 40 years, this 20th-century icon is finally experiencing a long-overdue renaissance.

Program Note

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story reconstructs the extraordinary life of Jackie Shane, a dynamic and one-of-a-kind R&B vocalist who vanished just before stardom in the 1960s. Through a captivating blend of archival footage, interviews, and imaginative animation, the film reclaims her story. For nearly half a century, Jackie remained a mystery—living in seclusion until her vibrant and eccentric belongings resurfaced and reignited curiosity about her legacy. Built around these personal artifacts and rare materials, the film charts her journey with poetic care. With a narrative reminiscent of Searching for Sugar Man and animation that brings her electrifying performances to life, this documentary is both touching and visually mesmerizing. (Choi Eun-young)

Directors

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  • Michael Mabbott
  • Michael Mabbott is a Toronto-based filmmaker. His debut feature, The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico (2005), which he wrote and directed, won Best Canadian First Feature at TIFF. His second feature, Citizen Duane (2007), also premiered at TIFF.

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  • Lucah Rosenberg-Lee
  • Lucah Rosenberg-Lee is an independent filmmaker based in Toronto. Their work includes films like Passing (2015) and For Nonna Anna (2017), which have screened at festivals such as TIFF and Sundance. Lucah continues to explore documentary and LGBTQ+ narratives through a passionate and diverse body of work.