Bumpa (2026)
This short documentary explores the Afro-Caribbean dance, ‘whining’ alongside the practice of twerking to analyze respectability politics, pressures to accommodate whiteness, and gendered criticism of sexual expression within the Black diaspora. Using archival footage of West African dance, expert opinion from professional dancers, and a therapist, this film presents the picture of the defiance, autonomy, and ancestral veneration intrinsic to these traditional , sensual, and controversial movement styles.
Bumpa, 2026

Bumpa 

Director Kayla Naomi Watkins

Director of Photography Simone Holland

Producer Ja'rel Ivory

Editor Aidan Un

Lighting Desigers Carmel Berg, Cloud Askew

Featuring Interviews & Performances by

Vera Adams
Quadrelle Harris
Nyla Murray
Queen Nzinga
Maria E. Rivera, MS, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT

Set BTS Photography
Kessai Watkins

Set BTS Videography
Theron Louis

Best Boy Electric Moira “Mo” Mcconnell

B Cam/DIT Lucy Soutter 

B cam Mo LaRena

Sound Prudence Katz, Steve Sklarow

PA Joshua Childs


Performers 
Nia, Mirror, Dom


Contact
Kayla Naomi Watkins
knwfilms@gmail.com