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National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

The Word: Rise of the Slam Poets – Omar Musa

2016

The Word: Rise of the Slam Poets – Omar Musa

2016

  • NFSA ID47JM9SBA
  • TypeOnline Media
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormNetworked media (includes mobile phone ring tones micro series and websites)
  • GenresPoetry
  • Year2016

Blending documentary, art and video poetry, this ABC iview docuseries explores the world of Australian slam poetry. In this excerpt from an episode titled ‘Poetry in the Streets’, viewers can get a glimpse of the thriving scene where young poets from multicultural backgrounds draw on the expressive power of their medium and community.

This footage features Omar Musa performing his poem 'CAPITAL LETTERS'. His voice-over accompanies a montage of imagery from Australian suburbs and streets, revealing details often unseen in sanitised visions of the nation. Musa draws on his experiences growing up in Canberra's multicultural public housing to create a more expansive portrait of contemporary Australian identity. Grounded in truth, the clip also features close-up shots of Musa performing directly to the audience, creating a personal connection with the viewer that mirrors the immediacy of live slam poetry. Exploring alienation and the journey of finding your voice, the performance successfully uses visuals and Musa's arresting cadence to convey his experience living on the fringes of mainstream Australian culture.

Courtesy of
Undergrowth

Blending documentary, art and video poetry, this ABC iview docuseries explores the world of Australian slam poetry. In this excerpt from an episode titled ‘Poetry in the Streets’, viewers can get a glimpse of the thriving scene where young poets from multicultural backgrounds draw on the expressive power of their medium and community.

This footage features Omar Musa performing his poem 'CAPITAL LETTERS'. His voice-over accompanies a montage of imagery from Australian suburbs and streets, revealing details often unseen in sanitised visions of the nation. Musa draws on his experiences growing up in Canberra's multicultural public housing to create a more expansive portrait of contemporary Australian identity. Grounded in truth, the clip also features close-up shots of Musa performing directly to the audience, creating a personal connection with the viewer that mirrors the immediacy of live slam poetry. Exploring alienation and the journey of finding your voice, the performance successfully uses visuals and Musa's arresting cadence to convey his experience living on the fringes of mainstream Australian culture.

Courtesy of
Undergrowth
  • Speaker
    Omar Musa
    Directors
    Tim Parish, Darius Devas
    Producers
    Adam Farrington-Williams, Tim Parish
    Scriptwriters
    Tim Parish, Darius Devas
    Editors
    Darius Devas, Tim Parish
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