An intimate portrait of girlhood following three determined sisters in Brooklyn as they race against all odds on a journey toward hope, belonging, and a brighter future, “Sisters On Track” is a compelling-looking documentary. Perhaps further demonstrating its power, “Sisters On Track” will have its North American Premiere at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. This ain’t something tossed off within the algorithm.
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Directed by Corinne van der Borch & Tone Grøttjord-Glenne, “Sisters Of Track” focuses on three-track star sisters who face obstacles in life and competition as they pursue Junior Olympic dreams in this extraordinary coming of age journey. The great Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI,” longtime Spike Lee collaborator) is also an exec-producer on the doc, and that should give it some clout too — Pollard is one of our finest living documentarians and often lends his name to worthwhile projects that need a little boost (not unlike the way Lee has done the same). Here’s the official synopsis:
Sisters on Track chronicles the coming-of-age story of the Sheppard sisters: Tai (12), Rainn (11), and Brooke (9), who were propelled into the national spotlight in 2016 with their first time wins at the Junior Olympics. The resulting media storm landed the trio on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Kids of the Year, and they were able to move from shelters into their own homes. The film offers a rare intimate glimpse into a tight-knit Brooklyn family’s journey to recover from trauma and tragedy. With the support of their mother, Tonia Handy, and the guidance of coach Jean Bell, the Sheppard sisters aim to beat the odds, dream big, and aspire to higher education as they are finding their voices as athletes and students – all while processing the growing pains of adolescence. At the heart of the story is the bond between sisters and an entire community of women, passing the baton of self-empowerment and hope through track and field from one generation to another.
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An original song for “Sisters on Track” titled “The Dream” is teased within the trailer. It is performed & written by Mark Batson and Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball from the GRAMMY-nominated group, Tank and the Bangas. “Sisters On Track” is due on Netflix on June 24; watch the first trailer below.