(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Arts Festival 2024 is excited to announce a special screening of the documentary Following Harry, celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte. This event will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024  at Express Newark, located in the historic Hahnes & Co. Building, as part of the festival's Reimagining Legacy Day. The screening takes place at 4:00pm.

Following Harry, which recently premiered at the Tribeca Festival, chronicles the final twelve years of Harry Belafonte’s life. The film captures the legendary artist and civil rights leader on a deeply personal journey, inspiring a new generation of entertainers and activists to confront injustice worldwide. Belafonte’s vision illustrates how love can transform oppression into empowerment.

Following the screening, join them for a live panel discussion featuring key contributors from the documentary, who will explore Belafonte’s lasting impact. This conversation will reflect on how his pioneering work resonates in today's social and political landscape. A private cocktail reception, hosted by Newark Arts, will follow the panel, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and engage further.

“Honoring Harry Belafonte’s contributions to justice and equality is a highlight for us,” said Delilah Navarro, Lead Producer of Newark Arts Festival 2024. “Reimagining Legacy Day encourages us to reflect on the past while empowering future generations to use art as a vehicle for social change.”

This event is a key highlight of this year’s festival, themed Radical Reimagining, which invites fresh perspectives on community, equity, and the transformative power of art. Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of Belafonte’s influence and its relevance in the ongoing fight for justice.

Free tickets can be reserved online. Express Newark is located in the Hahne’s Building (54 Halsey Street) in Newark, New Jersey.

For details on Newark Arts Festival 2024 and ticket purchases, click here.

Newark Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing and expanding the artistic and cultural landscape of Newark, New Jersey. Through strategic partnerships, public programming, and community engagement, Newark Arts plays a vital role in shaping Newark’s future as a thriving cultural hub. Newark Arts is supported by Prudential Financial, the City of Newark, TD Bank, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Turrell Fund, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, Festivals United powered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and many businesses, institutions, and individuals.