Harry Belafonte in FOLLOWING HARRY (Photo Credit Belafonte-Nasso-Zeng Productions, LLC)
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Susanne Rostock joins Lisa D. Smith on Big Blend Radio to talk about Following Harry, her documentary on the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte. Streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and Canada starting October 13, 2026, the film follows the man who was a singer, actor, and activist, and a mentor to generations of people who wanted to change the world.
Listen to the podcast episode below:
Susanne shares how she came to film Harry, what it was like to be invited into his world, and what she learned about mentorship, calm under pressure, and passing the baton. It is a fitting conversation for Global Diversity Month, a reminder of our common humanity.
Watch the trailer:
Highlights from this episode:
An Invitation from Harry
Susanne describes how Harry invited her into his office, and how a podcast idea turned into the opportunity to film him. She also talks about the question he kept returning to: "What do we do now?"
Calm in the Storm
We talk about how Harry stayed calm under pressure, and why young people listened to him. Susanne shares what his mentees saw in him, and what that steadiness taught them.
Mentors and Passing the Baton
From Paul Robeson to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, Harry learned from remarkable mentors. Susanne explains how he passed that guidance on, and the "trail of crumbs" he left for those who came after him.
Aloe Blacc and Harry Belafonte in FOLLOWING HARRY (Photo Credit Belafonte-Nasso-Zeng Productions, LLC)
Standing Up with Love and Conviction
Susanne reflects on what it means to stand up with love and conviction, and on Harry's sense of urgency and responsibility as he grew older.
Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and African Music
Harry's friendships with Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, and his role in bringing African music to the world, are a joyful part of the story.
"Do What You Can Do"
Susanne offers advice for artists and everyday listeners alike: use the platform you have, find a mentor, and do what you can do.
Editing Following Harry
We close with a look at the editing of the film, and what it takes to shape years of footage into a story.
Learn more about Following Harry and where to watch: https://www.followingharry.org/
Organizing the Women's March on Washington in FOLLOWING HARRY (Photo Credit Belafonte-Nasso-Zeng Productions, LLC)
Big Blend co-host Nancy J. Reid watched the full documentary. Here is her review:
Having grown up listening to Harry Belafonte's music on my parents' radio, I have always loved his music. His use of his art to promote social justice for all came as a surprise. Watching Following Harry is more than inspiring. It shows what we can all work towards, without the use of violence, for the good of humanity around the world. The production is smooth and seamless, as it showcases Harry's many interviews and his deepest thoughts.
I highly recommend this as a family documentary to watch and share with others.