Saybrook University hosted its inaugural Film, Book, and Poetry Festival—a showcase celebrating the talent and artistic work of the community on July 19 and 20, 2021.

Carmen Bowen, director of university relations at Saybrook, and Valaira Sa-Ra Smith created the virtual festival. Submissions were accepted from March 1 to April 30, 2021, and were open to the entire Saybrook community.

Nathan Long, Ed.D., Saybrook University president, welcomed everyone to the event. “The arts can be a powerful conduit for connection and healing,” he said. “At Saybrook, we understand the importance of embracing creative passions and ourselves.”

Each day began with poetry readings, progressing to film screenings, and concluding with book readings. Saybrook University is proud of the following community member and the works they shared at this event.

Poetry

  • Bo Acoin, master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saybrook, read two poems: “I didn’t kill her” and “Shitty ” Coming from a background in slam poetry, Acoin’s work spoke to his experiences as a transgender man and explored the toxicity of rigid gender roles.
  • Anthony “Butterfly” Williams, Ph.D. in Psychology student with specializations in Creativity Studies and Transformative Social Change, read an excerpt from his poem “The Throne,” a work of epic proportions intertwining a retelling of the ancient Egyptian myth of Osiris and Isis with contemporary episodes from his doctoral dissertation and lived experiences of colonialism.
  • Briana Weidman, master’s student in Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook, read her poem, “Rose of Sharon,” inspired by the history of her current home, weaving vivid imagery with stories from the past to create a sense of connection through time in a poignant reflection on the transcendence of human experience.

Film

  • Ibukunola Bukky Rojugbokan, Ph.D. in Transformative Social Change student, screened her short film, “The Story.” The film examined Rojugbokan’s experience and struggles with infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF), as a part of her greater dissertation and goal to develop online training for people considering or going through IVF.
  • Kellie Preston, Ph.D. in Psychology student with a Creativity Studies Specialization, showed her short film “Animal Assisted Play Therapy.” Preston used her own dogs and children as subjects in this informative short film that details how dogs can facilitate physical and emotional support for patients in therapy environments.
  • “The Rhythm of Blue” by Valaira Sa-Ra Smith and JC Thomas captivated the audience with its examination of women’s mental health issues in the African American community. Smith, who co-created the Saybrook Film, Book, and Poetry Festival, is an actress, model, and entrepreneur. Thomas is a performer and artist who produces independent film projects. Dedicated to women “suffering in silence,” the documentary incorporates interviews with African American women and mental health care professionals speaking about their experiences with stigma, treatment, and more.
  • Steve Sayre presented his film “Ghosts and the Afterlife,” an in-depth examination of theories regarding human consciousness and the existence of life after death. Sayre, currently studying clinical psychology at Saybrook, was inspired to make the documentary after his own near-death experiences.

Books

  • Richard Homawoo, Ph.D. in Psychology student with an Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology Specialization, read an excerpt from his book, “Dear I.” The excerpt, one of the 44 poetic monologues making up the work, explored themes of self-actualization and claiming the right to live life to the fullest.
  • Shannon Sims, Ph.D., adjunct faculty member in Saybrook’s department of Mind-Body Medicine, read an excerpt from her e-book, “Your Key to Mind-Body Wellness.” Dr. Sims, a survivor of long COVID-19, spoke about utilizing the lessons from her book in her integrative wellness coaching, especially during the pandemic and after her own illness, to maximize personal wellness.

The festival also provided meet and greet opportunities for artists and attendees to discuss the presented works. Creators provided insight to their artistic processes and intentions, connected with each other, and facilitated opportunities for future collaboration.

Saybrook University plans to make the Film, Book, and Poetry Festival an annual event, continuing to highlight and honor the artistic expression of its community for years to come.

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