On-Demand 

Screening Session 1 LineUp

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Quad Girl at the Water Park, Director Marissa Hernandez (United States)

Quad Girl at the Water Park is a poetry film. It's an introspective look at a woman ruminating on the pain of past relationships and what she discovers along the way. Spoken-word/Poetry.

Runtime: 10:00

 

Lunatic, Director Robin Noorda (Netherlands)

tackles urgent earthly issues, as seen by a lonely astronaut called Antonio, who was left behind on the moon after his coming out. In addition to the climate crisis, human waste, even in space, determines our fate. The moon-guard, a statue of a skinned warrior, symbolizes defense against the space debris danger from above. Ultimately, collisions between space debris and satellites will cause a cascade of collisions that will destroy all communications. It's called Kessler syndrome.
The earth ends up with a Saturn-like dust ring of metal and silicon.

Antonio is aware of these problems, and as he puts it: “It is one small scrap by man, one giant heap by mankind.” He tries to do some terraforming on the moon and finally meets the all-knowing 'I am AI' who also happens to be the voice-over. Lunatic is an improvisation animation film by Robin Noorda, based on his poem about the human behavior of leaving waste everywhere. Extended Version Monologues & Poetry, Runtime: 16:00

 

Dark Circles, Director/Producer Suswana Chowdhury (United States)

“Dark Circles” is a surrealist short poetry film written by Jean-Sebastien Surena.

The penultimate installation in an episodic series ("Luminescence") encapsulates the battle between light and dark within the protagonist, ELLIOT GRAVES. DARK, the manifestation of Elliot’s negative beliefs, is tormenting himself with the departure of his love. He is convinced that their departure proves he is not worthy of love or light. Memories of their beginnings replay in his mind as he struggles to find some way forward from his grieving. Throughout the film, Dark has intense dark circles beneath his eyes, signifying his restlessness and despair.

As he succumbs to his negativity, LIGHT makes a desperate last-minute appeal to Dark to save both. Light reminds Dark that a version of them existed before they found this love. He implores Dark to understand that everything he seeks–love, light, acceptance–can be found within himself. To emphasize that point, Light wipes away the darkness beneath Dark’s eyes and re-affirms him of his love. Spoken-Word/Poetry, Runtime 3:40

 

Foot Cleansing, Director Amy Lin (United States)

In this animated poem, a grandmother reflects on the passage of time as her daughter washes her feet. The poem, written by Amy Lin, is published in The Penn Review.

Youth Monologue. Runtime: 1:40

 

Hot Poets: We Are The Seeds, Director Liv Torc (United Kingdom)

Written for Gaia Foundation: Seed Sovereignty UK & Ireland

Around the world, seed diversity is threatened, yet ensuring a secure and resilient food system that serves people and the planet is critical. At a time of climate crisis, there has never been greater urgency to restore global seed diversity to the hands of the farmers, not corporations.

HOT POETS - Bringing poetry & science together to tell the stories that matter and inspire climate action that works. Matched with Gaia Foundation: Seed Sovereignty UK & Ireland
Poem Focus: Seed Resilience and Diversity

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 3:25

 

Ariane, Director Emeric Gallego (France)

Ariane spends her time in the metro, trying to forget the memories of a romantic encounter. Sometimes, it's impossible to be friends.  Per Emeric Gallego, "I was passionate about cinema because it was a major source of occupation when my parents did not take care of me when I was young. When I embarked on film studies at the University of Paris VIII, I met a man who had a negligible effect on my body and my being. Having suffered from eating disorders and other horrors, I was helped by a woman. In this way, my cinema always features women. This is a golden rule."

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime 7:00

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A Law In Each Well Ordered Nation, Director Charlie Mitchell  (United States) Words by Shakespeare emerge from January 6th.

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 2:33

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Further Up, Director Athina Kefalopoulos (Greece)

"Further Up" is a comedic monologue about the unfairness of life from a ...different perspective. Performed by Greek actress Athina Kefalopoulos for the 2023 World Monologue Games. Written by Australian screenwriter Pete Malicki

Athina made the Global Finals of the 2023 WMG with this monologue and is currently ranked in 9th place globally. Contains swearing. Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime 2:52

 

When I Hear That They Want to Let Teachers Carry Guns, Directors Pam Falkenberg and Jack Cochran (United States)

Lupe Mendez, 2022 Texas Poet Laureate and career educator, delivers a virtuoso performance in our film of his poem, "When I Hear That They Want to Let Teachers Carry Guns," based on new Texas laws that require armed personnel on every public school campus. The title is shocking, but the crucial question comes in the first stanza, posed as a hypothetical by one of his students: "Maestro, would you take a bullet for me?" This question prompts a powerful tour-de-force response about what it means to have a calling as both a poet and a teacher, reminding us of just how powerful both roles can be

Spoken-Word/Poetry Runtime: 3:23

 

Into The Jungle,  Directors Mikey Watts, Khadijatou Doyneh (United Kingdom)

‘Into the Jungle’ is a short spoken-word poetry film filmed in Colombia, and it represents many global realities of Indigenous people's trajectories and interactions with ‘the West’. Featuring original poetry from Khadijatou Doyneh, this is about the first interaction & the subsequent unexpected journeys. We have been transformed from the nature of the jungle to overpopulated places, only to create new jungles.

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 5.55

 

Sanctity, Director Frances Rebollido (Germany)

SANCTITY is a sentimental and philosophical exploration of what exists in between. Inspection of the in-between of space itself invited a thought stream and consequently uncovered the in-betweens of time, identity, and presence. The piece is a reflection, a discovery, a confession.

The poetic prose is set against the backdrop of film vignettes that appear as dream sequences. The footage was captured in various locations in Düsseldorf, Paris, and a crater in Iceland, with equally crude equipment and skill. Monologue/Soliloquy.

Runtime 6:19

 

Love Again, Director Emelie Dahlskog (Sweden)

In Love Again, a woman embarks on a wordless journey through diverse landscapes, each reflecting the emotional stages of a recent breakup. As she travels between desolate spaces, stormy seas, and tranquil forests, memories and challenges from her past relationship surface, guided by a poetic voiceover and the soft strumming of a guitar. The visual and musical journey mirrors her inner healing, leading her to a place of renewed hope and the courage to embrace the future.

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 10:00

 

Zer0, Director Shiran Mostovoy (United States)

Womanhood, singlehood, joy, dreams, and freedom come together on a journey of self-reflection and revival.

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 9:48

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SCREENING SESSION 2 LINEUP

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Rage, Director Tamara Karmazina (Canada)

Tamara is a young and talented filmmaker, editor, writer, poet and singer. She wrote a novel at age 10/11. She made a video about COVID at age 11. She wrote a professional music video script at age 13. She edited, directed, recorded, and filmed a music video single-handedly at age 13/14. Tamara has a vision for films and videos, with a vibrant and colorful imagination. In addition, she has been training at Star School Academy for more than three years and has performed in various locations in Toronto. With Star School, she also participates in yearly musicals, which enhance her acting skills, and records songs. She has robust future aspirations and exceptional abilities to set goals.
Tamara wrote this spoken word poem in grade 8. She portrays strong emotions through words and a spectacular performance in this video. Youth Spoken-Word/Poetry. Runtime: 2:23

 

Catching A Fish, Director Kyra Ward (United States)

Catching a Fish is about a director who loves creating but struggles due to many internal complications.

Kyra Ward is a recent Wheaton College Film and New Media Studies Graduate. She has created short films since age 10 and is interested in mixed media, experimental film, special effects, and narrative film. Some of their most recent works include “Catching a Fish” and “Don’t Touch the Box in the Woods.”

Extended Version Monologue/Poetry. Runtime 11:29 

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My Civil War, Director Daniel Allen (Australia)

A Civil War reenactor reflects on a past battle.

Daniel Allen is a director, producer, cinematographer, writer, and editor based in Sydney. His passion for filmmaking developed at an early age, educating himself across all areas of filmmaking to make his movies. His ‘official’ directorial debut short film Burlesque Syndrome (2022) solidified his love for directing, and he has since gone on to direct two short monologues, My Civil War (2024) and Eugene Blackwell (2024), as well as produce and co-direct The Final Round (2024). Allen is also recognized for his cinematography and editing credits on such films as Mattock (2022), Rock Paper Scissors (2023), and Dirty Gold (2024), to name a few. Monologue/Sililoquy. Runtime: 6:16

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The Moment Before the Song Begins, Director Matthew Buzzell (United States)

THE MOMENT BEFORE THE SONGS BEGINS is a filmed poem and portrait of the late author Starkey Flythe, Jr. Matthew Buzzell, an award-winning filmmaker and Professor of Film at Augusta University. Matthew's films have been screened at festivals worldwide, including AFI Fest, the Atlanta Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, SXSW, and the Tribeca Film Festival.
Matthew is perhaps best known for his feature documentary portraits of the celebrated indie-rock band Luna and of legendary jazz balladeer Jimmy Scott. Additionally, Matthew has worked on projects for Sacha Baron Cohen, Elvis Costello, Joe Henry, Diana Krall, Labelle, Bob Newhart, Billy Preston, Mavis Staples, and Allen Toussaint.

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 7:58

 

How Much Filipino, Director Greg Roensch (United States)

Director/Writer Greg Roensch comes from a mixed family background (Irish, Scottish, German, Czech, Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino), with his father's family having moved to the United States from the Philippines towards the end of World War II. When discussing his family background with others, Greg has often been asked, “How much Filipino are you?” That question inspired this film. Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 4:25

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Next Gas Station 168 Miles, Director Thomas Pickarski, (United States)
An essay narration paired with old B&W found film footage. The narrator contemplates a series of bizarre encounters during a lone car ride across the Great Basin Desert. "I am a multi-media visual and performance artist. The themes I work with include minor obsessions, the bizarre landscape, self-realization, and social justice. I often integrate storytelling into my work through text and spoken word. I hold a BFA in Painting and an MFA in Performance Art, both from Arizona State University."

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 5:00

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Reparaciones, Director Y(E) S (United States)

The poetry and images of Reparaciones invoke a cycle of the doing and undoing of fabrics and flesh, material and social, the threads that clothe our bodies and the relations that sustain our life, that resist the ruptures and absorb the shocks that we inevitably encounter in all stages of life.

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 2:15

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Smokescreen, Directed by Zane (Canada)

A glimpse into the youthful past by Zane is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has released two musical albums and multiple singles. He is also a professional photographer, filmmaker, video editor, audio producer, and sound mixer. With a passion for music, film, and photography at an early age, Zane has been pursuing his love of combining visuals and sounds to create new moods and experiences.

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 2:15

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The Cool Rap, Director Helene Matte  (Canada)

Many kids from Africa claim their place in America and salute the Province of Quebec, which welcomes them. Interdisciplinary poet and cultural worker for more than twenty years in Quebec, an all-terrain poet from the visual and living arts, Hélène Matte, is a free electron, a slasher: writer/curator /mediator/performer / visual artist/mother /citizen/eternal student. Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime 1:47

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The Residents of 49, Director Ceara Carney (Ireland)

What appears to be an overgrown urban garden is home to many flora and fauna. Ceara Carney takes you on a poetic journey through this densely populated residence: a haven amid a biodiversity crisis. 

Ceara is an actor by trade, having graduated from the Full Time Programme for Screen Acting at Bow Street Academy in May 2019.
Ceara has also embarked on several national theatre tours, most recently with Quintessence Theatre Company, performing as the lead in The Curious Case of Albert Cashier. She has worked with Quintessence numerous times with productions such as The Star of Chester's Lane (National Tour), Behind Locked Doors, and Into The Dark. Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 4:50

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Jumping Out the Window, Director Jack Clark (United Kingdom)

Having graduated in 2024 with a first-class honors degree in Film at Brighton University, Jack also received a ‘Best Creator’ award in recognition for the consummate professionalism and creative approach in his graduate film project, ‘Work Your Socks Off,’ which was written, directed and edited by Jack. The short film was recently screened at Brighton Rocks International Film Festival, receiving votes for ‘Best Film’. It is expected to be selected for further film festivals as the year progresses. Jack particularly enjoys and specializes in creating profound stories and characters and building trustful and collaborative relationships with actors to ensure excellent performances.

Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 5:52

 

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Female Monologue “Crazy,” Director Jessica Evans (United States)

A woman pleading to her doctor about her current mental state after a tragic loss. Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 2:06

 

 

Purple Cat, Directed by Josua Graf (Germany)

A poet finds himself within the four walls he has built for himself. A typewriter, candlelight, or couch might be the perfect retreat. But he is not alone. A peculiar visitor makes her presence known repeatedly: a purple cat.

Josua Graf is a director, DOP, and editor from Wiesbaden, Germany. Due to his versatile work for corporations, non-profit organizations, and artists, he has recently traveled across Europe to produce unique films. His heart beats for social justice and sustainability, which is why many of his productions focus on these themes. Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 4:46

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The Gospel of Gabriel, Director Bill Richardson (United States)

This is the gospel according to the angel Gabriel. Bill has won over 30 film awards. His films have been in festivals in 20 countries on six continents. He is an artist, author, and historian. He has written, produced, or directed feature films, TV series, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and shorts. As an artist, he’s done covers for books, magazines, and movies. He has published fiction and non-fiction via Random House and other publishers. His books include adult fiction, children’s, current affairs, and graphic novels. Bill has appeared on numerous shows, including American Pickers, CBS Sunday Morning, Mysteries at the Museum, America: Fact or Fiction, CBS This Morning, National Geographic’s Diggers, and NPR’s All Things Considered. He’s been quoted in hundreds of newspapers, including the New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and London Daily Mail.

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 1:35

 

Paused, Director Carson J Knecht (United States)

It's a poetic rumination on wasted time. It's Christmas time in the city. One man has all the time in the world.
Carson Knecht is an independent filmmaker from Martin, South Dakota. From 2019 to 2023, Carson was a student at Dakota State University, graduating with a Bachelor's in Film and a minor in 2D animation. During college, he had done camera work for sports broadcasting and local South Dakota television. Carson is influenced mainly by horror and science fiction of the 80s and 90s. His primary career goal is to write and direct feature films. Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime: 2:30

 

Unseen, Director Helmie Stil (Netherlands)

a poetry film about feelings of isolation, struggle, and being unseen. One in every five women endures domestic violence....unseen.

Helmie Stil is a Dutch award-winning filmmaker. After graduating from the Utrecht School of Arts, she has researched, directed, and produced her films since 2006. She loves making poetic documentaries and film poems.

Her award-winning documentaries and film poems have been shown on national television and at international film festivals. Her film The Desktop Metaphor won the Weimar Poetry Film Award 2018. Her film poem The Opened Field won the Cadence Video Poetry Festival 2019 award and the Reelpoetry Houston award and was selected for many international

Spoken-word/Poetry. Runtime 2:26

 

Yiayia mou (my grandmother). Director Koraly Dimitriadis (Australia)

Australian-born poet Koraly Dimitriadis recounts her Cypriot grandmother's story. Set in the ancient Paphos Theatre, which has not seen a performance in over a thousand years, this epic poem echoes the heartache of the migrant experience across three generations of women.

Koraly Dimitriadis is a poet, writer, actor, and film and theatre maker exploring cultural repression, identity, feminism, and racism in her work. Monologue/Soliloquy. Runtime: 7:14

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Screening Session 3

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Click Here. The In-Person Limited Live Screening will also be included in the On-Demand Line-Up.