Following Harry

"Each generation must be responsible for itself.

All I can do is leave behind the crumbs of my experience.

I have a trail that you can follow, if you find value in it,

pick it up and if you don't bring something better."

— Harry Belafonte

Following Harry celebrates one of America's most beloved artists and most principled activists, Harry Belafonte, as he embarks upon a deeply personal and reflective journey, to mentor emerging generations of grassroots organizers who are undertaking some of the most significant movements for social change over the last twelve years of his life.

As he looks back on his life, Belafonte wonders if he was successful in his decades of struggle, given the state of social justice in America today. Throughout the film, provocative ruminations from Mr. B (as he is affectionately known by many), underscore the stark challenges faced by those who seek to engender mass recognition of our common humanity. As he notes, "the enemy doesn't sleep."

Taken to the frontlines of social movements as they occur, viewers witness never-before-seen private meetings between Harry and young change-leaders. The narrative weaves together lessons from those who helped shape Belafonte during the Civil Rights Movement, illuminating how he integrates these towering figures' shared sense of morality into actionable lessons for today. The film provides a window into both his public endeavors and private moments, capturing his journey from the aftermath of the death of Trayvon Martin, to his engagements in the protests in Ferguson, the Women's March (which was created in his office), as well as profound conversations in his home about our present and future.

Following Harry is a passionate, powerful witness to Belafonte's continued commitments to building a better future, and serving as someone to whom young activists can turn to for wisdom. It is also a story of aging, legacy, and taking responsibility for what one leaves behind. Belafonte goes beyond stating that the past is doomed to be repeated by those who do not understand it, to ask: if we cannot position ourselves to see and translate history through our own present-day experience, then how can we envision the future that we are rushing so quickly to embrace?

FEATURING:

Jaime Foxx, Academy Award-winning Actor
Rosario Dawson, Actress
Jesse Williams, Tony-nominated Actor; Activist
Aloe Blacc, Grammy-nominated Singer/Songwriter
Aja Monet, Grammy-nominated Poet
Phillip Agnew, Educator; Cultural Critic
Carmen Perez, President/CEO, The Gathering for Justice; Co-Founder, Justice League NYC and Justice League CA
Chuck D, Grammy-nominated Rap Artist
Talib Kweli, Rap Artist
Purvi Shah, Civil-Rights Litigator; Law Professor; Founding Director, Bertha Justice Institute
Tamika Mallory, Activist
Linda Sarsour, Activist
Dr. Cornel West, Activist; Philosopher; Social Critic
Kerry Kennedy, Lawyer; Human Rights Activist; Author

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "In 2011, Harry invited me to share space within his brand-new office located on the top floor of the Martin Luther King Building in Manhattan. In 2012, with the murder of Trayvon Martin, I was given the intimate vantage point of a first-hand witness to Harry's quest to engage the most influential and expansive minds of the youth, artists, and activists alike. The questions Harry raised, the answers he unearthed and the radical challenges he put forth as to where we are as a nation, as a world, inspired and motivated the next generation of leaders, creators and activists. I felt this could become a blueprint for the future. At this point in Harry's life, I recognized the films would also be a story of aging, of legacy, of responsibility for what one leaves behind.

With Harry Belafonte's uniquely postmodern twist on history, and his commitment to building a compassionate world, Following Harry suggests that if we cannot position ourselves to see history through our own present-day experience, then how can we envision the future that we are determined to change for the better?"

— Susanne Rostock

Preview link available upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information

A Film by Susanne Rostock

90 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 8 - Adult

Item #: FHB-2082

Joins Harry Belafonte during the last twelve years of his life as he embarks on a personal journey while also inspiring the next generation of changemakers

Starting at $99

Licensing Options

K-12 Classroom, Public Libraries: DVD - $99 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $149 Colleges & Institutions: DVD - $395 Colleges: DVD with Digital Site License - $495 K-12 School District pricing available. Please inquire at [email protected] Community Screenings: Please Complete 'Host a Screening' Form found on top menu bar

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Reviews and Festivals

"An absolutely phenomenal film."

— Angela Davis

"An inspiring account of a cultural and civil rights icon filled with passion and personal reflection that illustrates the legacy Belafonte left behind and the continuation of his life's work."

— Deborah Rudolph, Tribeca Festival

"An extraordinary documentary."

— Chrstiane Amanpour, CNN

"This was like a magical baton."

— Chuck D

"A fairly stirring portrait of an artist-activist told by himself and by people who knew him, and it's at its most effective when we see Belafonte be refreshingly honest and give advice to young activists."

— Next Best Picture

"This riveting and inspirational film profiles the great heroism of Belafonte who ran into burning buildings to fight for civil rights throughout his life. But it is not a film about distant history, rather a reminder of the battles of the last few decades, and what it means to be someone who consistently shows up to fight against injustice."

— Kerry Kennedy

"A compelling chronicle of the last decade of the life of Harry Belafonte and his dedication to mentoring younger generations of activists... Following Harry is a testament to his important and powerful legacy in making societal changes for the better."

— Culture Mix

"Entertaining and educational. Fast-pacing guided audiences through decades of turmoil, fear, and dreams for a better future... Following Harry is an exceptional film that honors the memory of Harry Belafonte and encourages the next generation to stand on his shoulders and work together 'to control their destiny'."

— SpoilerFreeReviews

"Serves as a concrete reminder of how long people have been fighting for their rights and freedom, and underscores the fact that this fight is not over. As importantly, it highlights the influence and impact that Belafonte has had on important movements and inspiring others to commit to continuing the work that he initiated, as well as perpetuating his legacy."

— UCSB AS Program Board

"An illuminating look at a legendary entertainer's activism and desire to move not only his people forward, but any group that feels undervalued, undersserved, and unprotected in today's political climate."

— Geek Vibes Nation

"A fond tribute that in his last years he encouraged younger people to keep fighting."

— Maven's Nest

WINNER

Sidewalk Film Festival, Jury Award, Black Lens Feature

Cleveland International Film Festival, FilmSlam Student Choice Award, Best Feature

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Tribeca Festival

Global Peace Film Festival

The Pan African Film Festival

ACT Human Rights Film Festival

Donostia / San Sebastian Human Rights Film Festival

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Solidarity Human Rights Film Festival

Thin Line

Honolulu African American Film Festival

Sedona International Film Festival

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