To Be Heard (2011) (87min)
Directed by Roland Legiardi-Laura, Edwin Martinez

In collaboration with the Rosamond Gifford Foundation, ArtRage Gallery will screen films depicting community efforts to improve their communities and the world. The fall series of three films will begin in September and run thru November 2013. Films were selected by a committee of community members and are shown twice at different days and times followed by a facilitated discussion. All films are free to the public. No reservation is required.

To Be Heard is the story of three teens from the South Bronx whose struggle to change their lives begins when they start to write poetry. As writing and reciting become vehicles for their expressions of love, friendship, frustration, and hope, we watch these three youngsters emerge as accomplished self-aware artists, who use their creativity to alter their circumstances.

Partnering organizations for the fall “What If…” Film Series: ACTS (Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse) Food Access Task Force; Alchemical Nursery; AGREE (Alliance for a Green Economy) whose member organizations include: CNY Chapter of Citizens Awareness Network, Syracuse Peace Council, Peace Action of Central New York, Peace Action New York State, Center for Health, Environment & Justice, Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, and Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club; Downtown Writer’s Center; FORCE (Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment); GreeningUSA ; Professor Mark Muhammad,Communication Studies at Onondaga Community College and Underground Poetry Spot.