Spoken word poetry transmits messages through a singular language: deft prose molded into a visceral performance by rhythm, intonation and physicality. In the spring of 2019, this potent conduit for liberating one’s innermost struggles and yearnings worked itself in the psyche of Carlos López Estrada. The encounter led López Estrada to his second feature, “Summertime,” an omnibus narrative film celebrating 27 spoken word storytellers and the corners of the city they most identify with. Here was a diverse community of young artists who turned to poetry as a way of coping with hardship. In the aftermath of the whirlwind production, “Summertime” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 with all the poets in attendance.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 09, 2021 21:33 UTC