Earlier this year, the Sundance Film Festival was abuzz with the premiere of ‘Seeking Mavis Beacon,’ a thought-provoking documentary directed by Jazmin Jones and produced in collaboration with Olivia McKayla Ross. The film delves into the enigmatic story of Mavis Beacon, the virtual instructor behind one of the most beloved educational software programs of all time, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. As the film gears up for a theatrical release through NEON starting on August 30 at IFC Center, the first trailer has finally arrived, offering a glimpse into this captivating exploration of identity, technology, and representation.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing became a household name when it first launched in 1987, helping millions of users improve their typing skills. However, what many don’t realize is that Mavis Beacon, the woman who became the face of the software, was portrayed by Haitian-born model Renée L’Espérance. Spotted working at a Los Angeles department store, L’Espérance was paid just $500 to become the face of Mavis Beacon, a role that would immortalize her in the digital world.
As the first face of Mavis Beacon, L’Espérance played a crucial role in shaping the character, who has since become an enduring symbol of Black women’s contributions to technology. However, the film also raises poignant questions: What does it mean to surrender your image to the digital world, and what does Mavis Beacon’s legacy say about the broader cultural narrative surrounding Black women in tech?
In Seeking Mavis Beacon, Jones and Ross take on the roles of digital detectives, navigating the complexities of cyberspace in their search for L’Espérance. Through dynamic “desktop cinema,” observational footage, and insightful interviews with artists, writers, and software designers, the film unveils how Mavis Beacon’s persona was crafted and the ethical dilemmas tied to her representation. The filmmakers’ journey ultimately confronts the reality that L’Espérance may prefer to remain out of the spotlight, highlighting her right to be forgotten in an age where digital footprints are nearly impossible to erase.
As Seeking Mavis Beacon prepares for its theatrical release, starting at IFC Center in New York on August 30 before expanding to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago on September 6, audiences will soon have the opportunity to engage with this remarkable documentary. With a wider rollout beginning September 13, ‘Seeking Mavis Beacon’ is set to leave a lasting impact, challenging viewers to reconsider the cultural narratives we create and the digital legacies we leave behind.
Watch the trailer above and prepare to embark on a journey that questions what it truly means to be the most recognizable woman in technology.