The Neon film Seeking Mavis Beacon takes a deep dive into uncovering the truth about the woman on the cover of the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Program.
Jazmin Jones and associate producer Olivia McKayla Ross directed the hybrid documentary. The two take on the role of “e-girl detectives,”’ to discover who Mavis Beacon is and her contribution to black history. Jones says, “I was really interested in making work for our younger selves.” As their research continues they discover that Renee L’esperance is the recognizable Haitian woman who modeled as the in-game typing instructor in 1987. Her contribution to Mavis Beacon taught millions how to type but eventually vanished from the public eye. Jazmin and Olivia take on the role of DIY detectives to search for Renee with questions regarding identity and artificial intelligence.
The Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software sold 10 million copies worldwide. Renee modeled for the software and was paid only five hundred dollars for her image. The duo took it upon themselves to use unconventional investigation tools to preserve a piece of history. This is done by Jazmin and Olivia making time to travel across the country for answers. You’ll notice the film bounces from fiction to fact, interviews, archival internet videos, and raw uncut emotions. When speaking on the film Ross shared, “It wasn’t even considered to do it in a normal stereotypical documentary way.” The amount of vulnerability Jazmin and Olivia display truly showcases how passionate the two are about the project. 
Jazmin said, “This is the kind of movie that you find when you’re like 13 and you’re like oh my God I found this crazy edgy film and you show it to your friends.” The film is truly one of a kind with its internet-like aesthetic. You’re bound to be engaged from start to finish in their search for answers about Renee L’esperance. Jazmin Renée Jones confirmed that there is more to expect from the two of them in the future and the world should stay tuned for their next project. Seeking Mavis Beacon became available to screen in theaters on August 30th, 2024.
