Harry Belafonte spent much of his life using his influence to advance civil rights and social justice. The documentary Following Harry offers an intimate look at his final 12 years, revealing how he mentored younger artists and activists while reflecting on the future of social change.
Directed by Susanne Rostock, the film continues the story begun in her earlier documentary, Sing Your Song. It follows Belafonte from 2011, when Rostock began spending time with him in his New York office, through a period of renewed activism and public debate in the United States.
The 90-minute documentary combines public events with private conversations. It also explores how Belafonte drew lessons from influential figures such as Paul Robeson, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
Harry Belafonte’s influence on a new generation
Following Harry examines Belafonte’s response to major social movements, including the protests that followed Trayvon Martin’s death and the demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri. The film also explores the Women’s March, which the production materials say was developed in Belafonte’s office.
Throughout the documentary, Belafonte challenges younger leaders to take responsibility for shaping the future. His conversations focus on history, shared humanity and the need to turn moral beliefs into meaningful action.
The film features artists and activists who drew inspiration from his guidance. Among them are Aja Monet, Aloe Blacc, Carmen Perez, Chuck D, Jamie Foxx, Jesse Williams, Phillip Agnew, Rosario Dawson and Talib Kweli.
Their stories connect Belafonte’s legacy with ongoing efforts to address social challenges. In addition, the documentary reflects on aging, mentorship and the responsibility that comes with passing experience to the next generation.
Susanne Rostock returns to Belafonte’s story
Rostock previously directed Sing Your Song, which chronicled Belafonte’s earlier life as an entertainer and civil rights leader. That film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and later received wide recognition, including an NAACP Image Award.
With Following Harry, Rostock shifts attention to the questions that shaped Belafonte’s later years. The documentary considers how people can learn from history while responding to the realities of their own time.
Belafonte, who died in 2023 at age 96, built a career that extended far beyond entertainment. He supported the civil rights movement, opposed apartheid in South Africa and helped organize the 1985 charity recording We Are the World.
His work earned major honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Where to watch Following Harry
The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and also screened at the Santa Barbara and Martha’s Vineyard film festivals. It received recognition from the Sidewalk Film Festival, BronzeLens Cinema and Social Justice program, and the Cleveland International Film Festival’s FilmSlam.
According to the film’s release announcement, Following Harry became available on video on demand in the United States and Canada on Oct. 13, 2026. Viewers in the United States can find it through Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango and other major video on demand platforms. Canadian viewers can access it through Amazon and Apple TV.
More information is available at FollowingHarry.org.
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