The Humberville Poetry Slam (2009)

When Liberty Fu, an experienced poet, sets his sights on victory at Nationals, he decides to organize a local slam to find four poets who will help him represent the town and capture the title of Slam Champions.

Directors:

Emily Chang, Dan Delorenzo

Writers:

Emily Chang, Dan Delorenzo

Stars:

Michael Barra, Emily Chang, Ned Cray

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael Barra	...	Fetid
Emily Chang	...	Maharaja
Ned Cray	...	Mayor Tom Murphy
Giles Li	...	Liberty Fu
Emilie McDonald	...	Ms. Beverly
Ndidi Oriji	...	Shari Wilkinson
Ben Prayz	...	Ben Stahl
Melanie Ryan	...	Myra Stahl
Francesco Saviano	...	Macktivist
Bruce Smolanoff	...	Jackie Howie
Ben Stumpf	...	Khalil Brotha Love the Eternal
Christine Witmer	...	Jay-cee Smith

Storyline

When Liberty Fu, an experienced poet, sets his sights on victory at Nationals, he decides to organize a local slam to find four poets who will help him represent the town and capture the title of Slam Champions.

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Taglines:

This contest has no winners.

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Genres:

Short | Comedy

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 2009 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pilsen Nation, The

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Sailors Lust"
Written by Ned Cray
Performed by Ned Cray

User Reviews

Humorous with some surprises

This mockumentary (in the tradition of Waiting for Guffman, Dog Show and other Christopher Guest films) covers the buildup and excitement within a small fictional, sleepy NJ town of participants competing in a local poetry slam. It is a humorous look at the world of slam poetry (poking fun at some of its sometimes all-too-serious attitudes) and also portrays the different angles and approaches taken by our collection of "misfit" protagonists. I only call them "misfits" because these aspiring, small-town poets don't necessarily fit the image of a slam poet that you'd see on HBO Def Poetry.

I was surprised at caring for some of the characters by the end of the film, even though it is a short film. The film is able to sprinkle in some surprisingly intimate looks at some of the characters and their motivations.

A pleasant and funny film I can recommend!