Visual Poetry Short Films

I am in a season of discovery and experimentation. Creatively, this is my happy place. Inspiration is staring me in the face and I’m able to return her gaze confidently.

I am experimenting with a new art form: visual poetry—turning my poems into short films that are engaging and entertaining (I hope!)

I’ve done two visual poetry short films so far. My most recent one is “Sphinx’s Surgery” to accompany the poem I wrote on Day 5 of the 2022 National Poetry Month. The prompt was to write a poem about a mythical person or creature doing something unusual. I wrote about the Sphinx statue going to a plastic surgeon to get a consultation to repair her missing nose. This short film shows a news report about the Sphinx’s plans to get cosmetic surgery:

Written, directed, and produced by Farah Lawal Harris

My first visual poem is “I Am Not a Contortionist.” This one was also written for National Poetry Month and explores my experience as a Black woman working in oppressive spaces. I drew a lot of inspiration from the life of Saartjie Baartman for this one:

Written, directed, and produced by Farah Lawal Harris

Enjoy! And feel free to comment below with any reactions.

xo,
Farah