EN: Little Satchmo / PT: Pequena Satchmo
(USA, 2021, 61 min)
To the world, Louis Armstrong is iconic — a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success, and unassailable character.
To Sharon, he was simply Dad.
Armstrong’s wholesome, non-threatening image preserved his singular career as a black performer with unfettered access to a white man’s world. Yet he was more than a caricature; he had desires, he had longings, and in private, he held tightly to the things he loved. Perhaps closest to his heart was a child whom he hid from the world: a daughter sworn to a life of secrecy until now.
Cast & Crew:
Director: John Alexander
Writer: Sharon Preston-Folta, John Alexander
Narrator: John Boutté
Music Supervisor: Eddie Korvin
Editing: John Alexander
Produced by: JC Guest, Lea Umberger
Co-Producers: Ann Garvey, Muriel Minot, Terrence Beasor, Michael and Suzy Valentino
Associate Producers: Tom Cotter and Jennifer Cotter, Shawn Rhodes, Lindsey Hall
Executive Producers: Susan Houston, Emily Bonavia, Sharon Preston- Folta
Cast: Sharon Preston-Folta, Louis Armstrong (archive footage)
Screenings:
Casa da Cultura, 13 May 2022, 21:00
Cinema Charlot, 12 June 2022, 21:00 (Special post-festival event, with jazz performance and Q&A with Sharon Preston-Folta and John Alexander)
Fortaleza de Sesimbra, 2 October 2023, 21:30 (Find it! session, Q&A with John Alexander and JC Guest)
Why was it selected:
A heartfelt documentary about Sharon Preston-Folta, the secret daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Our gut feeling that this film was a true gem that would get the recognition it deserves proved right the following year, when it won the EMMY! Outstanding Historical Documentary, Southeast Chapter, 2023 award. To celebrate that achievement, we invited John Alexander and JC Guest for an encore screening of Little Satchmo in 2023.