IN CINEMA
Saturday, September 20th at 1:30PM
The Harlem International Film Festival
THE DISAPPEARANCE of MISS SCOTT
Nicole London, 2025, 83 min
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MISS SCOTT chronicles Scott’s meteoric rise as a jazz talent and major Hollywood star before being blacklisted during the Red Scare. Hazel Scott was one of the most revered stars of the early 20th century. Not only was Scott a beloved musical sensation, but she also channeled her talents into Hollywood stardom, becoming the Black American to host their own television show. Featuring archival footage and stills, performance clips, interviews and excerpts from her unpublished memoir, The Disappearance of Miss Scott is the first documentary centering on the jazz virtuoso’s life, detailing her awe-inspiring talents on the piano, how she used her star power to be an influential voice of the proto-Civil Right Movement, and her life in Paris after being blacklisted from Hollywood during the 1950s Red Scare . Her career in the US ultimately ended after she defended herself and her colleagues in front of the House Un-American Committee,and her story has been mostly silenced until this film.
DISCOVERING BESSIE COLEMAN
Beth Powell, 2024, 15 min
DISCOVERING BESSIE COLEMAN is an inspiring documentary that celebrates the impact of Bessie Coleman’s legacy through the eyes of those she continues to inspire. Rather than a biographical account, the film shares personal stories from Coleman’s family, aviation professionals, and celebrities like author and actress Karyn Parsons, recounting how they first learned about Coleman’s groundbreaking achievements as the first African-American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot’s license. Despite her accomplishments, Coleman’s story remains unfamiliar to many. This documentary highlights the transformative power of her journey, showcasing how her determination to overcome barriers continues to motivate and empower new generations in aviation and beyond.
Post-screening discussion with Nicole London and Beth Powell
$15 General Admission / $7 Reduced Price
