Last Sunday, Caribbean Cinemas came alive! Sold out, buzzing, and bathed in anticipation, as Lipstick Productions premiered its third film, Tek Back Man, written and produced by the incomparable Adelza “Lipstick” Sheridan. The timing could not have been more poetic: Art Week meets the 16 Days of Activism, giving Sheridan’s latest work both cultural gravitas and social resonance.

Born from her wildly humorous 2023 Carnival hit Tek Back Man, Sheridan transforms what many of us first enjoyed as pure bacchanal into a thoughtful exploration of male vulnerability, heartbreak, and the unspoken burdens men carry. The film finds its power in a clever setting choice: a barbershop, that sacred, unfiltered space where Caribbean men speak freely and unapologetically. It becomes the home of the Tek Back Man Club, where stories of rejection, pride, and ritual “tek back” are shared with raw humour and surprising tenderness.

With comedic brilliance, especially the twist involving a man who was both a perpetrator and a victim, giving “a knuckle” and later getting “knuckled”, Sheridan navigates laughter and social truth. Though this year’s 16 Days of Activism theme centers on ending digital violence against women and girls, this film provided an opportune reminder that: Men hurt! Men are subject to domestic abuse, and men need safe spaces too.

The pre-show ceremony set the tone beautifully, wrapped in excellent performances by Peetron, Mr. Rudolph Davis, and rising star Enoch Thomas, each adding energy and cultural weight to the night.

Calypso Faithful, the arranger of the original calypso on which the movie is based, also shared heartfelt congratulations. He recalled the creative process behind the song and reflected on the joy of seeing it evolve into film. Faithful expressed his full and continued support for Sheridan, affirming that her courage, creativity, and persistence continue to push the boundaries of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural expression.

Personally, I attended for both cultural duty and to gather evidence for my ongoing Carnival legal case against Me-Lip-Nah-Stick. Because if she thinks she can assault me with tek-back-man goat meat and a little bacchanal violence, please note: two solid Edimelo “dress back” from me, and that meat would vanish faster than any election promise. But I digress, back to the main event.

Remarks from the Executive Producer of Lipstick Productions

Executive Producer and writer Adelza “Lipstick” Sheridan addressed the audience with the warmth and wit that have become her artistic signature.  “It gives me great pleasure to have you, my esteemed audience, here this evening. Bonsoir, mesdames et messieurs, good evening to my friends, my students, and everyone who came out to support this production.”

She highlighted her students with unmistakable pride because, for her, filmmaking and mentorship go hand in hand. “I’m so proud of my students; every one of them passed and placed in the national top ten for the CSEC. They worked hard, they shone brilliantly, and tonight they remind me why I love what I do.”

She also extended heartfelt thanks to the team who helped make the film possible. “Tonight wouldn’t be possible without my team. Our director did a fantastic job, and I’m grateful for down-to-earth people like Dr. Noel Howell who bring their talent and humility to the work. Those are the people I’m drawn to.”

Director Howell’s Charge to the Audience

Dr. Howell, in great spirits, delivered remarks that were equal parts endorsement, humour, and challenge. “Tonight is a full house, and I’m not surprised. Lipstick has an extraordinary talent, and when you build something of value, the people will come. She followed her passion, made the movie, and now Antigua and Barbuda’s film industry is stronger because of her. Let’s give her the applause she deserves.”

Then he offered clear instructions, with a smile. “Tonight isn’t about Lipstick talking, it’s your turn to see what she has created. I guarantee everyone here will laugh at least five times… Thank you for showing up, supporting the arts, and being part of this moment.”

A Movie That Delivered

Just like her previous films, Tek Back Man delighted the full house. Peals of laughter filled the cinema, echoed by the scandalous clapbacks and commentary only an Antiguan audience can deliver. The crowd became part of the soundtrack; an extra layer of joy stitched into the film’s reception.

Congratulations again, Adelza Sheridan. You continue to stretch the boundaries of Antiguan storytelling fearlessly, joyfully, and with an authenticity that makes the work ours.

See you next year with your 2026 Calypso offerings and my compensation. (Me still cyarn believe dis woman mek de man come back fu de likkle goat meat.)