Motionpoems is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to facilitate multimedia collaborations by pairing up poets with filmmakers. I had the pleasure of working with Director Tamika Miller on this experimental poetry film.

Inspired by the poem “To Be Of Use” by Marge Piercy, this film pays homage to our heroes - our farm workers, sanitation workers, doctors & nurses, and psychotherapists - especially during the time of COVID-19. It also pays tribute to the women and men fighting for equality, for a world free from discrimination and persecution. And to our ancestors — who have been fighting the fight long before us. 

Client: Motionpoems

Animator & Designer: Margaret To

Film Direction: Tamika Miller

Choreography & Dance: Kara Jenelle Wade

Cinematography: Danny Toback

Editor: Alisa Banks

Color Correction: Colin Trenbeath

Music & Sound Design: Cary Daniels / Shindig Music + Sound

Visual Style:

I worked closely with director Tamika to concept the visual imagery and symbolism that represent the world of essential workers. We were inspired by the work of Romare Bearden and Miwa Matreyek. It was the first time for me to merge dance performance (live action) with animation, and each frame was deliberate and with intention. The dancer was the thread connecting all of these worlds, as she travels through the world of our psychologists, farm workers, sanitation workers, nurses and doctors, and our ancestors.

The film is currently screening on Motionpoems homepage, and has been featured on Adstasher, SHOOT, and Creativepool.