18 min, 2004

Directed by Aldo Romero and Kendall Brown

RESURGENCE is a documentary that serves as a reflection of New York as a city in the aftermath of 9/11. Slam poetry is juxtaposed over still images and video footage to convey the feelings and political atmosphere of New York during the crisis. Filmed weeks after the attacks, RESURGENCE utilizes imagery and slam poetry to convey the pain, anger, sadness, and conviction towards a resolution of individual New Yorkers as Americans.

Much of the footage, filmed during the days and weeks after the attacks capture the feeling of New Yorkers at the time. Much of the footage was shot at Union Square as an improvised vigil formed there when a college student began to draw on the ground of the park. Passersby began to get involved and accelerate what was started by the student with drawings and writings. This evolved into the infamous "Union Square Vigils" which turned into a cultural event that included music and performance in this gathering of artists, musicians, and anyone needing to express themselves. It was the ultimate expression of democracy. What had its origins in one of the most tragic events in American History evolved into a rebirth or resurgence? It reaffirmed the positive rather than the negative.

 

The Poetry is performed by the acclaimed slam poet, Sharrif Simons, who has appeared on HBO's "Def Poetry Jam". Many social and political themes emerge in the subtext of the piece through the pulsating slam poetry of Mr. Simmons.

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