Beth Powell’s Bessie Coleman Documentary Earns Cannes Diversity Film Honour

Jamaican-born pilot and filmmaker Beth Powell has secured a Cannes honour for Discovering Bessie Coleman, her 2024 documentary on the achievements and enduring influence of aviation trailblazer Bessie Coleman.

The film, directed by Powell and produced by Lorna Chin, was named best documentary in the Short Film Showcase at the Diversity in Cannes Film Festival Showcase 2026. Coleman is remembered as the first African American and Native American woman to receive a pilot’s licence.

Marking the win on Instagram, Chin said Powell came to her in 2023 with the concept for the Coleman documentary. “We developed the story over the course of a year, eventually deciding to lean into a Jamaican storytelling style,” she said.

Discovering Bessie Coleman is also available through the American Black Film Festival showcase on American Airlines’ in-flight entertainment platform, extending Coleman’s story to global passengers. In Cannes, France, Powell was further recognised with the Better World Award for her work in film, storytelling and social impact.