Documentary Review: ‘Following Harry’

by | Oct 12, 2026 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. Watching someone work so diligently for the greater good and to make the world a better place is so inspiring. And these days, it feels revolutionary and strange. Documentarian Susanne Rostock previously filmed a Harry Belafonte biopic, SING YOUR SONG (2011), and fortunately for our sake and for history, she was able to spend time with him prior to his passing in 2023. Those discussions with the man (in his 90’s) provide insight into what made him tick, what drove his activism, and what he viewed as his final mission.

Many only know Belafonte through his music. “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)” are two of his biggest hits that continually show up in modern day projects. He began entertaining at age 19, ultimately winning an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony, and an honorary Oscar (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award). Yet despite the accolades, he begins the film by questioning how best to ‘look back on my life’, and wondering “was the time wasted”. Of course, we already know the answer is ‘not in the least’, but Ms. Rostock allows Mr. Belafonte the time to discuss what he worked on and what he accomplished as an activist for doing the right thing.

Archival video clips and photographs document Harry’s time alongside such historical figures as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali, and the Kennedys as the work for Civil Rights proceeded. Belafonte founded The Gathering for Justice, an organization dedicated to mobilizing communities to ensure justice for all. We see Belafonte speaking out after the Trayvon Martin incident and Black Lives Matter movement, and his push for the Women’s March. Quite telling is his interaction with actor Jamie Foxx, who absorbs the lessons being taught by Belafonte.

We feel Harry’s frustration when, in 2016, he was organizing a concert, and many big stars reported that it was “inconvenient”, providing a crystal-clear example of how so many benefit from the sacrifices of those who come before, yet are unwilling to follow in those steps. The difference in eras is quite remarkable, and Belafonte worked until his final days in educating the new generation on history and attempting to pass the torch. He left a legacy of encouragement and inspiration meant to provoke thought, discussion, and ideas … even though speaking out carries a price. So, when Harry wonders if his time was wasted, we absolutely know that he made the world a better place. Harry Belafonte’s legacy lives on as an example of a uniter.

Releases nationwide and in Canada on Amazon, Apple TV and other major VOD platforms on October 13, 2026

David Ferguson
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