Registration now closed

Lights, Cameras, Poetry!

Join us to watch a film on Emily Dickinson, followed by a poetry writing workshop.

In this class, participants will examine how filmmakers construct meaning through the artistry of cinema by viewing and discussing a film that focuses on an important American poet. Then, a poetry writing workshop will follow inspired by the content of the film. Attendees will receive a study guide that will include pre- and post-viewing discussion topics as well as creative writing prompts. 

1:30 – Introduction to the poetic techniques of filmmakers

1:40 to 3:45

FILM:

A Quiet Passion (2016) directed by Terence Davies. The story of American poet Emily Dickinson from her early days as a young schoolgirl to her later years as a reclusive, unrecognized artist. Cynthia Nixon delivers a riveting performance of Dickinson, personifying the biting wit and staunch independence of the great American poet who would not be recognized until after her death. Davies exquisitely evokes the manners, mores, and spiritual conviction of the period of which Dickinson struggled to transcend. A Quiet Passion is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some partial nudity and sexual activity.

3:45 to 4:00 – Break

4:00 to 5:00 – Movie Discussion and Writing Workshop

Rikki Santer is a local, award-winning poet and educator who developed and taught a film studies curriculum to high school students and adults for sixteen years. She has published film reviews and studied film at New York University, The Ohio State University, Antioch University, The University of Montana, and through Wesleyan University. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and an MFA in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She also is a member of the Teaching Artist roster of the Ohio Arts Council.