Beyond Words: Verses of Change follows Los Angeles Unified School District high school students competing in the Classic Slam, Los Angeles' largest youth poetry competition hosted by Get Lit - Words Ignite. This dynamic documentary explores how young people wield the power of spoken word poetry to combat isolation, foster empathy, and create vibrant communities. The Classic Slam has become a stage for transformation, where storytelling reveals itself as humanity's greatest technology for building understanding and belonging.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Sun and Moon Films are announcing the premiere of Beyond Words: Verses of Change, a powerful 26-minute documentary directed by Brandon Santiago and Raymundo Archila, set to air on KLCS PBS on December 13, 2024, at 8 pm, with a second airing scheduled for December 24, 2024. Produced by Livi Zheng, this inspiring documentary focuses on students from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as they participate in the Classic Slam, a vital spoken word poetry event with 1000 people in the audience.
The documentary follows the journeys of standout characters such as Angie Zuniga and Abbigail Escobar from Zane Grey Continuation High School. Initially hesitant about engaging with poetry, these students discover a transformative passion that not only helps them love school more but also facilitates healing from personal challenges like family loss and addiction. Through the Classic Slam, students learn and perform a classic poem alongside their original response piece, viewers witness their emotional growth and newfound confidence.
"KLCS Public Media is pleased to present Beyond Words: Verses of Change, a compelling documentary that steadfastly aligns with our mission to spotlight student achievement. Through the transformative power of spoken word poetry, this film highlights the resilience and creativity of young voices, showcasing how storytelling can inspire personal growth and foster meaningful connections within communities."- Jaime Jiménez, KLCS General Manager.
"Having been part of the spoken word community for nearly two decades, the power of poetry gave me a voice and purpose. Watching young artists bravely share their stories while actively listening and learning from one another reminds me of what's possible when we come together. In a world that often feels divided, I am endlessly grateful to witness and share their extraordinary leadership, passion, and courage with the world." - Brandon Santiago.
"It was an honor to witness the bravery and progress of the students firsthand. The energy in the rooms, especially during the preparations at Zane Grey Continuation High School, truly brought the story to life. It was inspiring to see the students' transformation it was a deeply rewarding experience" - Raymundo Archila.
For media inquiries, please contact Sun and Moon Films at info@sunandmoonfilms.com or call (650) 235-6156.
Contact Information
Sun and Moon Films
Communications Department
info@sunandmoonfilms.com
(650) 235-6156
Source: Sun and Moon Films
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