Little Satchmo, written and directed by John Alexander, was the winner of the 2022 AMERICAN HISTORY – FEATURE category at Jackson Doc Fest and has since gone on to win the Southeast Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary, emerging as the top title among five nominees. The Emmy win was announced at the 49th Annual Emmy Awards Gala on Saturday, June 17, in Atlanta, with the award presented to Alexander and producer JC Guest.
The PBS documentary follows Sharon Preston-Folta, who comes forward after more than five decades to reveal that she is the daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong and Harlem dancer Lucille “Sweets” Preston. Little Satchmo examines the deeply personal reasons she kept her identity private for more than 50 years and traces her emotional journey toward publicly acknowledging her father and reclaiming a hidden chapter of American cultural history.
After a sold-out world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Greece, Little Satchmo screened at major international festivals across France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the United States. The film later debuted at the American Black Film Festival, Hot Docs’ Doc Soup Film Series in Toronto, and the Oscar-qualifying Krakow Film Festival. Its U.S. theatrical release began in March 2022 in New Orleans, the hometown of Louis Armstrong.
The documentary features narration by John Boutté and original music by Emmy and Grammy-winning composer Eddie Korvin, with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. It was produced by JC Guest and the late Lea Umberger, with executive producers Sharon Preston-Folta, Emily Bonavia, and Susan Houston. Prior to its Emmy win, the film was also nominated for the Best Historical Documentary Emmy in May 2023, further underscoring its critical acclaim and lasting cultural impact.
Jackson Doc Fest has rapidly emerged as one of the top documentary film festivals in the world, with a mission to become the premier global destination for documentary cinema. Since its inception, the festival has seen a remarkable 30% annual increase in submissions, starting from over 750 films representing 92 countries in its early years. This impressive growth reflects the festival’s rising influence and its unwavering commitment to showcasing powerful, thought-provoking storytelling.
As we evolve from our origins as Lane Doc Fest and adopt our new identity as Jackson Doc Fest, this transformation represents more than just a name change—it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our new name honors a deepening relationship with the City of Jackson and a growing network of local, national, and international partners. It also symbolizes our aspiration to engage new generations, amplify diverse voices, and build a festival that reflects both global relevance and local pride.
Our mission is clear: to foster opportunities for filmmakers, documentarians, and students, while strengthening community ties through the art of documentary film. By cultivating greater interest in the genre—especially among youth—we aim to inspire meaningful conversations and contribute to a culture of inclusion, empathy, and critical thinking.
Jackson Doc Fest is more than a screening event. It is a dynamic forum that connects filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and local audiences. Each year, we present a curated collection of award-winning independent documentaries that highlight vital themes such as social justice, democracy, peace, cultural awareness, and freedom.
Our commitment to the Jackson community includes supporting local education, creative industries, and economic development. We work in close partnership with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and businesses to enrich cultural life and provide pathways for academic and professional growth.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, a student, or a passionate advocate for social change, you’ll find a place at Jackson Doc Fest. From inspiring screenings and workshops to networking events and student programs, we offer a platform where ideas are exchanged, connections are made, and the transformative power of documentary storytelling comes alive.
Join us in celebrating the power of film to educate, connect, and transform. Together, we are building a festival that not only enriches the cultural fabric of Jackson, Tennessee, but also serves as a gateway to global perspectives and ideas.
LANE DOC FEST Announces Its Third Edition: Award and Gala Show on October 5, 2024
JACKSON, TENNESSEE, September 10, 2024 – Lane Doc Fest will host its third annual prestigious international documentary film festival awards and gala event on October 5, 2024, at the renowned Chambers-McClure Theater located within Lane College. The evening will begin at 5:00 PM honoring our esteemed guests, followed by the grandeur of the red-carpet awards ceremony and gala show. This captivating event features a meeting with Jackson local hero Coach Abernathy and a music performance by the legendary JD Taylor of Little Boys Blue. It is open to the public, filmmakers, students, and our distinguished guests alike. The event will be MC’d by Keith Davis and Keri Baughman.
Lane Doc Fest, an annual tradition, serves as a platform to showcase independent documentary films that illuminate critical social issues, human essence, environmental concerns, and cultural awareness. By bringing a diverse array of international films to our community, Lane Doc Fest embodies the pinnacle of cinematic and visual artistry, highlighting both local talents and filmmakers from around the world. This year, Lane Doc Fest received submissions from over 400 films spanning 68 countries, including works recognized at prestigious festivals like Berlinale, Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and Sheffield. Our esteemed panel of judges includes globally acclaimed, award-winning filmmakers and a diverse range of industry professionals.
A highlight of this year’s festivities is the world premiere of the short documentary film “Painting Victory: The Journey of Coach Ron Abernathy.” It tells the inspiring story of Coach Ron Abernathy’s rise alongside basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, highlighting their triumphs, challenges, and enduring legacy as Jackson’s local basketball coach. In addition, Lane Doc Fest is honoring Shaquille O’Neal as a recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Shaquille O’Neal is a retired NBA basketball player renowned for his dominant presence as a center who won four NBA championships and was a 15-time All-Star. Since retiring, he’s been active in the media, business, and philanthropy.
This year’s event is sponsored by many local businesses and Lane College, as well as Magic Korea, for their generosity in sharing K-Beauty products to promote Korean culture and encourage cultural diversity. Additionally, LANE DOC FEST and LANE DOC INSTITUTE have launched a special program aimed at empowering youth and helping them become proficient leaders in their chosen career paths. This initiative includes career counseling and a range of professional development opportunities.
