Following Harry: The Legacy of Civil Rights Legend Harry Belafonte

A Seven-Decade Legacy, Captured in His Final Chapter

Blue Harbor Entertainment will release the documentary Following Harry nationwide in the US across all major VOD platforms on October 13,. Directed by Susanne Rostock (Sing Your Song), the film chronicles the final twelve years of legendary artist and civil rights leader Harry Belafonte’s life. The documentary provides intimate access to Belafonte during modern struggles for social justice, capturing his involvement in the aftermath of Trayvon Martin’s death, the Ferguson protests, private conversations in his home, and the creation of the Women’s March inside his office.

Passing the Baton to a New Generation

Fueled by a deep sense of urgency, the film documents Belafonte handing off his knowledge regarding power, art, and movement-building to young leaders. Director Susanne Rostock recalled Belafonte telling her, “I am running out of time,” which launched a twelve-year journey capturing activism in real time. Belafonte’s core philosophy centers on youth responsibility, as he states in the film: “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”.

The film highlights Belafonte collaborating with a wide range of cultural figures and activists, including Aja Monet, Angela Davis, Aloe Blacc, Carmen Perez, Chuck D, Gina Belafonte, Jamie Foxx, Jesse Williams, Kerry Kennedy, Matt Post, Phillip Agnew, Rod Starz, Rosario Dawson, Sean Pica, and Talib Kweli.

Festival Recognition and Production

Ahead of its commercial launch, Following Harry gathered honors across the festival circuit, screening as an Official Selection at the Tribeca, Santa Barbara International, and Martha’s Vineyard Film Festivals. It won the Sidewalk Film Festival Jury Award, the BronzeLens Cinema & Social Justice Award, and the Cleveland International Film Festival FilmSlam Award.

The documentary is produced by Frankie Nasso, Edward Zeng, and Rostock, alongside executive producers Mimi Polk Gitlin, David Dinerstein, Pamela Belafonte, and Jeff Kranzdorf. Producer Edward Zeng noted the significance of sharing Belafonte’s behind-the-scenes mentorship with audiences, while Seth Needle of Blue Harbor Entertainment emphasized the honor of carrying Belafonte’s legacy forward nationwide.

Release Information

Following Harry will be available on all major US VOD platforms starting October 13. The official trailer, film details, and updates are available at followingharry.org and on social media @FollowingHarryFilm