5 Films for National Poetry Month

Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month with these five extraordinary Full Frame alums that highlight poets and their craft.

Scared of Revolution

Scared of Revolution (Full Frame 2019) | Director: Daniel Krikke

Stream: Amazon Prime

This raw examination of The Last Poets member Umar Bin Hassan explores both the triumphs and demons of this visionary artist.

Still Tomorrow

Still Tomorrow (Full Frame 2017) | Director: Jian Fan

Stream: Amazon Prime

In rural China, a determined, courageous woman balances her fame as an eloquent and frank poet with societal expectations around disability, independence, and family obligation.

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (Full Frame 2016) | Directors: Bob Hercules, Rita Coburn Whack

Stream: Amazon Prime

Through interviews with friends and family, and a wealth of archival footage, this luminous biography traces the influences of the poet, performer, and activist.

BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez

BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez (Full Frame 2015) | Directors: Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon

Stream: Vimeo On Demand

Rich with spoken word performances and readings by young black artists, this film honors the life and legacy of poet, activist, and teacher Sonia Sanchez.

Strange Fruit

Strange Fruit (Full Frame 2002) | Director: Joel Katz
2002 Grand Jury Award – Honorable Mention

Stream: Kanopy

A look at the history, context, and creation of the song “Strange Fruit.” Made famous by Billie Holiday, the song was originally penned by white Jewish Communist elementary school teacher Abel Meeropol. With the power of Meeropol’s poetry and his melancholic melody, “Strange Fruit” opened America’s eyes to the atrocities of lynching in the South and lent an early voice to the Civil Rights Movement.