This year Midwest Video Poetry Fest is offering a short screening of family friendly films including poetry, animation, and works created by youth. Films include works by local children and the Madison Poet Laureate, Angele Trudell Vasquez. See below for the full program, and be sure to check out the two nights of regular screenings along with a special live performance combining video and spoken word.
Midwest Video Poetry Fest Family Matinee
1) The Moon Appears (3m37s)
Directed by Jelle Meys
Written by Federico García Lorca
Belgium
An animated interpretation of the mysterious poem "La luna asoma (The moon appears)" by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca.
At the rise of the moon
bells fade out
and impassable paths
appear….
2) Las Chicas y Chicos de Blossom Street (4m55s)
Directed by
Written by Araceli Esparza
Wisconsin, United States
“Las Chicas y Chicos de Blossom Street” is an animated poem written by Araceli Esparza in which she lovingly revisits memories and weaves tales about a diverse Latino community of family-like neighbors living close together in apartments on Blossom Street. Life in this neighborhood is communicated through the narration of a little girl named Luz, and the photographs and journals she keeps.
3) Three Poems by Angie Trudell Vasquez (3m15s)
Directed by Luke Bassuener
Written by Angela Trudell Vasquez
Wisconsin, United States
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at Lindbergh Elementary School in Madison, WI create animated interpretations of works by Madison's Poet Laureate, Angie Trudell Vasquez.
4) Unbound (2m57s)
Directed by Jemima Hughes
Written by Jemima Hughes
United Kingdom
“Unbound” is a lively and colorful abstract animation which presents the filmmaker's feelings about being perceived as “wheelchair bound.” It combines cut-out animation in hand-painted watercolor paper with digital effects, using colors, shapes and movement inspired by Kandinsky’s paintings. The director's voice-over, spoken on her electronic communication aid and subtitled, describes her experiences. Jazz-inspired music composed for the film reflects the motion and excitement of activities such as dancing and ziplining.
5) One Night (0m55s)
Directed by Amara Rumi Doughtery
Written by Michael Bazzett
Pennsylvania, United States
"One Night" is a commissioned poem collaboration by award-winning poet Michael Bazzett of Chicago and thirteen-year-old autistic animator Amara Rumi Dougherty of Erie, PA.
6) First (1m42s)
Directed by Nikolaus Jantsch
Written by Sophie Reyer
Austria
Deceptively simple animation contrasts with words that traverse large swathes of time, weaving together old myths and the human longing for connection and meaning.
7) Omelet (2m09s)
Directed by Fiona Tinwei Lam
Written by Fiona Tinwei Lam
Canada
A short animated poetry film about a parent and child cooking together while reflecting upon the current state of the world.
8) Stolen (2m52s)
Directed by Christina Giordano
Written by Christina Giordano
Massachusetts, United States
This colorful animated film asks where stolen items go and takes you on a journey around the world, transforming loss into wonder.
9) Directions on Living Near an Abandoned Tennis Court (2m20s)
Directed by Andrew J. Knox
Written by Andrew J. Knox
Maryland, United States
An experimental examination of the re-purposing of space as it deteriorates.
10) Messages (2m00s)
Directed by Isabella Andronos
Written by Isabella Andronos
Australia
Short animated film of a young girl who receives messages from the night sky.
11) Gastronomy (1m58s)
Directed by Vanessa Belt Brancato
Written by Vanessa Belt Brancato
Switzerland
When you have one ingredient in your cupboard it's hard to eat something tasty.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Arts + Literature Laboratory is located at 111 S. Livingston Street #100, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.
Our galleries are open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday noon to 5pm, and other programs take place throughout the week. Please check the events calendar and education section for details.