Films with: Sanchez, Jeremy

Deaf jam

Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a spoken-word slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration. [from discussion guide.]

DVD 13341

Every child is born a poet the life & work of Piri Thomas /

Combining poetry, documentary and drama, this film explores the life and work of Piri Thomas, 75-year-old Afro-Cuban-Puerto Rican poet and author. His 1967 autobiographical novel "Down These Mean Streets" was groundbreaking in its bilingual style, realistic portrayal of youth, imprisonment, and the search for racial identity. As the first writer of Puerto Rican ancestry to receive national recognition in the United States, Piri Thomas has inspired and influenced generations of students, artists, and activists. A portrait of a life lived through struggle, self-discovery and transformation, this production includes rare archival footage, still photographs, and mixed-media artwork to explore Thomas' use of creativity as a means of overcoming violence and isolation.

DVD 8548