In the world of tech and education, few figures have been as influential yet as hidden as Mavis Beacon, the iconic face of the typing software that taught generations of users to type. The story behind this software and the real woman behind the face, Renée L’Espérance, is beautifully unpacked in the documentary Seeking Mavis Beacon, which brings to light more than just her identity. Director Jazmin Jones and associate producer Olivia McKayla Ross dive deep into the personal, political and social implications of being a Black woman in the tech world during the rise of early computing.
Jones’ passion for finding the truth behind Beacon stems from her experiences navigating a world that often overlooks or diminishes her contributions as a Black woman.
“A lot of doors are closed to Black women far too often, especially when you’re on a quest for information,” Jones said to rolling out. This search for the true story of Beacon became symbolic of the larger struggle Black women face in accessing spaces where they can document their achievements.
“The beauty of being in bodies like ours is that people often underestimate us … it allows us to get into rooms we normally wouldn’t get into because people assume that we’re harmless,” Ross said, reflecting on her role in the investigation and on how the duo’s shared identity as Black women helped them navigate this journey.
As the documentary unfolds, the directors dig into interviews with the developers behind the Mavis Beacon software. However, their interviews with the men responsible for creating the software were met with hesitancy and partial truths.
“If they were actually as interested in the whereabouts of L’Espérance, they were equipped with the information … but they shied away from the question of ‘Where is Renee?’ ” Ross noted, expressing frustration about the male interviewees’ responses.
Jones’ emotional connection to the project becomes evident. This emotional depth adds another layer to the film’s narrative. As she mentions, the film is not just about typing.
“It’s not … it is about that, but really it’s a deeper question. … And [it’s also about] the impact that software has had on society,” she said.
What sets this documentary apart is how it ties L’Espérance’s story to the broader discussions of data privacy, AI and the control of one’s likeness in the modern era. In a world where identity and personal information are increasingly commodified, the film raises crucial questions about who gets to own their image and how society values these contributions. Ross sums up the core message, hoping that young people watching will take away the importance of controlling their own data.
“[Young people] can pull a Renée … they don’t have to offer up their data … and our collective power grows every time they say no,” she stated.
