Following Harry

Following Harry tells the story of Harry Belafonte during the last 12 years of his life, as the iconic artist and civil rights leader influences our future by mentoring and inspiring a diverse group of artists, activists, and cultural leaders. 
 
The story unfolds like a poem punctuated by a collection of provocative and deeply personal ruminations from Belafonte. Mr. B, as he is affectionately known by many, opens the film by stating his clear position that as a nation we are still struggling to embrace our diversity, which leaves us facing the stark reality that these are difficult times to love each other. 

Filmmaker Susanne Rostock creates a seamless narrative, weaving together the lessons of those who inspired and informed Belafonte including Paul Robeson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela, illuminating how Harry integrates these towering figures’ shared sense of morality into actionable lessons for today’s artists and activists. 

The film features Aloe Blacc, Aja Monet, Angela Davis, Jesse Williams, Phillip Agnew, Jamie Foxx, Carmen Perez, Matt Post, Chuck D, Talib Kweli, Rosario Dawson, and others bringing the strength of today’s youth to meet complex social issues with love, compassion, and a fierce determination to stand for justice. This kaleidoscope of impact is fueled by Harry’s inspiring demand that these next generations with more talent, opportunity, and resources than any before them, must understand that they are the gatekeepers of truth.

Rostock accents this tapestry of sight and sound with the orchestrations of her chosen composer for the project, Hahn Rowe. Together creating a work that celebrates the formation of the immutable legacy of Harry Belafonte. A gift to future generations. A path forward for others to follow or make better. A path that Harry walks himself during the film, actively disrupting injustices from Florida to Ferguson and Washington, D.C. to Sing Sing Prison, even from his own kitchen in New York City. The film amplifies Harry’s commanding belief that love has the power to redirect oppression into oblivion.