Documentary Feature
Little Satchmo
Directed by 
John Alexander
AFIN 2022 Nominee
- 2022
- 1h 1m
-
USA - English
Stills
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Synopsis
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.
Director's Statement
Little Satchmo reveals the hidden daughter of Louis Armstrong: how one of Satchmo's dearest loves was also his closest secret. A story systematically left off the public record and a voice which for decades had been muted, this first-person account from Armstrong’s only known child lifts up parent-child relationships everywhere and gives an intimate glimpse into the human side of an American icon all too often foundered in caricature.
Director's Biography
John Alexander Director
Alexander interned with Sam Raimi on Drag Me to Hell (Cannes 2009) and graduated from Harvard, winning the McCord Arts Prize. He edited One Way to Drown (executive producer Brett Ratner), Running Wild, and Shut Up and Drive (Tribeca 2015). His directorial debut, Bender (2016), features Oscar nominee Bruce Davison. A guest director at AFI on Suspect (2017), his debut documentary This Is Love (2018) screened at 40 film festivals worldwide, winning top prizes in over a dozen. 2018 - This Is Love - feature documentary 2017 - Suspect - short narrative, AFI guest director 2016 - Bender - feature narrative
Trailer
Placings
Recognised in this category at AFIN 2022, as announced that season.
- Best Sound Honorable Mention