‘Following Harry’ Review – An Entertainer And Civil Rights Activist Guides The Next Generation [Tribeca 2024]

Both within and outside the African American community, Harry Belafonte was an entertainer known for breaking racial barriers during the 1950s and 1960s. His brand of folk music appealed to a mass audience of fans, an extraordinary feat for a Black man building his career during racial segregation. While Belafonte is mainly remembered for his vocal and acting talents, the Tribeca documentary Following Harry brings his work as a civil rights activist to the forefront. It was meaningful work close to his heart, and he continued championing racial equality until he died in 2023 at 96.

The documentary opens with Belafonte sitting in a chair, singing, and reflecting on his life as images of the Civil Rights movement, his performances, and modern-day protests flash across the screen. He ponders how African Americans are still dealing with racism and social injustice and shares that his biggest fear is that his time here would have been wasted and not helping to better the circumstances of those who look like him. It’s a vulnerable but understandable admission used to open the story and helps set the tone for the documentary.

Although he was an entertainer, even from a young age, Belafonte sought out guidance, inspiration, and mentorship from activists like Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, writers like James Baldwin, and political leaders like Bobby Kennedy. Observing the way they viewed the world, the causes they fought for, and the injustices that lit the proverbial flame beneath them helped give him a deeper understanding of not only the causes he should be championing but also the wisdom and guidance he felt compelled to pass on to the next generation of young activist who would take up the mantle after his generation was gone.

The passing of the torch is a central theme of Following Harry. One of the best parts of the film is watching Belafonte sit down with modern social activists like Rod Starz and Purvi Shaw, listening to their frustrations and rage and assisting them with transmuting that anger into action. He understands, empathizes, and has the resources and influence to help bring people together to champion the cause. Belafonte is, as he refers to himself at one point, a participating historian, able to bring context about the past and wisdom on how to progress toward the future. Again, these scenes are some of the documentary’s most moving moments.

Another moving moment is when Belafonte sits down with Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Bobby Kennedy. The scene begins with the two of them reading a letter Bobby wrote to his two children about fighting against the injustices people of color faced in higher education. There’s a tragic and bleak irony in the fact that Mr. Kennedy ends the letter saying that he’s doing it so that when his children grow up, the world looks drastically different, however, Kerry is a much older woman, and nothing has really changed. This serves as a great lead into her discussion with Belafonte, and again, a strong moment for the documentary.

The film includes appearances from Dr. Cornel West, Aloe Blacc, Jesse Williams, and many others who respect and revere Harry Belafonte and all he stands for. When it’s all said and done, not only will his legacy as an amazing performer go down in the history books, but the causes he championed and the justice who sought to help push his community forward. His passion and strong sense of justice is prevalent and palpable.

Following Harry is an illuminating look at a legendary entertainer’s activism and desire to move not only his people forward, but any group that feels undervalued, underserved, and unprotected in today’s political climate.

Following Harry held its World Premiere as a part of the Spotlight+ section of the 2024 Tribeca Festival.

Director: Susanne Rostock

Rated: NR

Runtime: 95m