I See In Words — Poetry & Film

Poets writing through movies...it’s a THING!

Durham Poet Laureate Chris Vitiello (aka The Poetry Fox) curates this series, which features a classic subtitled film and poets writing in the dark throughout the movie. Afterwards, they’ll read a bit of what they wrote. And...you can write and read, too!

For this episode, we have one of the most visually and textually beautiful movies in recent memory—Jessica Beshir’s Faya Dayi (2021). This trancelike American-Ethiopian documentary that explores the social and religious rituals of khat, a psychoactive plant that plays an important role in Ethiopia’s economy and culture.

Don’t expect any conventional documentary form—this is more like a 118-minute dream journey. And the text is sheer poetry. (You’re welcome.)

Doors 6:30 pm, movie at 7 pm. FREE, donations appreciated. BYO or sample what’s on hand.