A Black musician, now in the later stages of his life, harks back to the magical moments in his childhood, career, and his relationship with his father who introduced him to his first true love: his trumpet named Betty.

Director’s Vision for ‘Betty & Blue’

Inspired by the visual legacies of Black photographers Kwame Brathwaite and Roy DeCarava, and the cinematic artistry of Wong Kar-Wai and Spike Lee, Betty & Blue revisits 1970s New York City—a time when the rhythms of jazz and the heights of Black excellence intertwined seamlessly.

As a Black filmmaker, I aim to illuminate the richness of Black life and creativity. Betty & Blue tells an intimate story of a trumpeter, his music, and the deep bond he shares with his father.

To evoke the warmth of nostalgia and honor the era, we chose to shoot on 16mm film. This medium beautifully captures the essence of the time, celebrating the richness of Black skin through vibrant tones and soft, luminous light.

At its core, jazz is a spiritual art form—a living history. Betty & Blue is a heartfelt ode to this tradition, a meditation on love, heritage, and the enduring connection between a father and son, all set to the soulful rhythms of a bygone era.