Oceanside Library premieres ‘Poetry in Motion’ on Saturday

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The highly anticipated “Poetry in Motion” — a short film that brings Long Island’s poetry scene to life through the lens of cinematic artistry — will be premiered at Oceanside Library’s newly renovated theater on Saturday.

Directed and produced by Oceanside native Gregory Cioffi, the film showcases the raw energy and dynamic spirit of 12 talented Long Island poets. Tom Flynn, also an Oceanside native, is the film’s cinematographer, and Nassau County Poet Laureate Paula Curci is its executive producer. The event is free and open to the public.

Cioffi and Flynn were classmates at Ocean-side’s Elementary School 8 through Oceanside High School, and “Poetry in Motion” marks the first return to their neighborhood roots as they celebrate Long Island’s vibrant poetry arts scene in their hometown.

The project was a completely new experience for Flynn.

“The poet opened his mind to a different form of art, and it challenged me to think of filming and editing in a more poetry-driven mindset,” Flynn said in a press release.

Collaborating with Flynn, a professional music video director and childhood friend, Cioffi set out to craft a film that bridges the worlds of poetry and cinematic storytelling. Flynn’s expertise in music video production brought a fresh perspective to the project, allowing the team to experiment with fluid camera movements and psychological depth that mirror the rhythms and emotions of the poets’ words.

For Cioffi, “Poetry in Motion” represents both a personal and professional homecoming. His creative journey began with a love for writing that evolved into a multifaceted career in acting, directing and filmmaking. After returning to his hometown, he was struck by the vibrant poetry community flourishing on Long Island.

“I wanted to capture the energy and intensity of these poets in a way that matched their performances,” Cioffi explained.

Inspired by MTV-style music videos, he envisioned a film that would elevate poetry beyond traditional formats, integrating dynamic cinematography to create a living, breathing visual experience.

The project, a G&E Production in association with The Acoustic Poets Network, was partly funded by Poets & Writers, funds early-career authors through programs like Get the Word Out and The Poets & Writers Fellowship, as well as public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Both Cioffi and Emily Dinova, of G&E Productions and the assistant director of the film, are familiar with the literary world, since both are authors. Cioffi, who teaches at Nassau Community College and Long Island University, was inspired by the dynamic energy of Long Island’s poetry community.

“I was in awe of how their poetry could jump off the page viscerally,” Cioffi said. “Being an actor and director, I wanted to capture this vigor and intensity in a new and exhilarating way.”

This film highlights poets who bring energy and electricity to their performances. The poets featured are Andre Williams, “Uncle Dre”; Becky Soumakis; Charlene Lawerence; Cioffi; Jacques Squillace; Jay Vegas, from the “Poem Stars”; Jessica Payes, from “Stronger Than My Pain”; Jim Coulter, from “The Grumpy Grandpa”; Jonathan Gortman, from “STEPS”; Kris Janvier; M.T. Pariti, from “The Scene”; and Quiana Marks, from “Q. Imagine.”

The film’s settings — Hempstead Lake State Park and Lido Beach Passive Nature Area — provide a natural backdrop that complements the vibrancy of the performances.

“We wanted the visuals to reflect the organic energy of the poetry,” Cioffi said. “Each location was chosen to create a unique atmosphere for every poet, ensuring no two performances looked the same.”

For co-producer Curci, the film amplifies poetic voices, which excites her the most.

“I look at ‘Poetry in Motion’ as a preservation project — Gregory’s vision to film our talented Long Island poets preserves this time in history, on film,” Curci said. “It documents the growth of contemporary expressionism on Long Island.”

Following the premiere, attendees will be able to participate in an open mic session hosted by Peter V. Dugan, former Nassau County Poet Laureate and longtime champion of performance poetry. The session adds an interactive element to the event, inviting attendees to share their own poetry in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Dugan, who has hosted poetry readings at the Oceanside Library for more than 18 years, sees the film as a tool for expanding the reach of poetry.

“Poetry opens minds,” he said. “It makes us better readers, better writers, and better thinkers. This project highlights the diversity and vitality of Long Island’s poetry community, showing that poetry is alive and thriving in the present.”

Individual performances from the film will be released online weekly, reaching a broader audience. The film will also be screened at the Long Island Poetry Festival at the Long Beach Library on April 5-6.

“If the project is well-received, I’d love to create a second season with new poets,” Cioffi said. “This is about building something lasting, something that continues to celebrate and preserve the incredible talent we have right here on Long Island.”