International Poet Willie Perdomo to attend Youth Voices workshop
On Wednesday night we told you about the spoken word summer camp that is using video and photos to tell stories. On Friday that camp will culminate with an exhibition of the students’ work and the hosting of world-renowned poet, Willie Perdomo. Perdomo is set to perform and display some of his works. Film maker Eli Jacobs Fantauzzi spoke about a documentary in the making in Colombia and the critically acclaimed writer and poet.
Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi, Film Maker
“Willie Perdomo’s poetry is real life poetry. And it’s not just about theory and flowers but it’s about real life and empowerment through poetry. I believe it’s going to inspire a lot of new poets and poets that are already writing. I think that it’s going to inspire them to go even deeper into their poetry. He’s world renowned poet, he’s on HBO the Def Poetry Series and an inspiration to a whole lot of people, a whole generation of poets.”
Andrea Polanco
Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi
“So this is definitely something that aspiring poets, the entire Belize should come out and support?”
Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi
“Yes, I mean even if you don’t write poetry you will love to hear him spit. It’s almost like rapping or singing. So singing, music, whatever you’re into, I think you’re gonna be inspired this Friday.”
Andrea Polanco
“Eli we’re going to talk about a documentary that you and your brother have been working on in Colombia. Tell us, what is this all about?”
Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi
“So I just got to Belize about three days ago from Colombia. The story is really about the youth using hip hop to grow a peace movement. They’re surrounded by so much violence and the history of violence in Colombia and they’re using hip hop to talk about a different alternative.”
Andrea Polanco
“So what inspire you and Kahlil to go down to Colombia and work on this project?”
Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi
“So the inspiration is we grew up in the hip hop community and that’s the lens in which I see the world. That’s how I been able travel the world. And when I heard what they were doing with hip hop they have schools where they really teaching the four elements of hip hop deejaying, graffiti, b-boying. It was amazing and so we got to go there see the youth practicing and learning the skills and again, being able to express themselves through this culture that they love.”
For more information on Perdomo’s performances in Belize you can call 631-4123 or 604-5571.
