The Indomitable Spirit of the Film Maker: Michele Seminara reviews ‘Symphony of Strange Waters’ & ‘Don’t Bury My Heart’

symphony-of-stramge-watersLast year I had the honour of attending a film screening by friend, human rights activist and documentary filmmaker Saba Vasefi. Here’s a review I wrote of the evening, and the films – which deal with the important issues of the refugee experience, and the death penalty as it applies to children in Iran.

Comments 0

  1. Sounds like a powerful film and an all too common struggle in parts of the world. So many people being displaced by hatred and ignorance.

    On another note, I miss you. Your blog has been quite quiet. Hope you are well, Michele:)

    1. Hi Michael, Thank you, and I miss you too! Your blog is also a little quieter of late. Other things in my life are muscling my treasured blog out – but it’s just a temporary lull! I’ll be back – and you?

      1. Hi Michele, I picked up another class in my teaching schedule so I haven’t had as much time to write. I’m also sifting through ideas to write about–as the boys become more independent little men, I feel I need to focus less on them. It’s weird. I’m trying to do at least a blog a month. I wish it could be more, but at least I’ll keep my feet wet, so to speak. I’ve grown to love writing, and I wonder how to bridge these experiences into something larger than blog entries. I feel I have a book in me, but that’s a few years down the road. Time will tell.
        In the meantime, it is bitter cold here on the east coast of the states, and I am looking forward to spring. By the way, I recently taught some of Wallace Steven’s poetry. What an amazing voice. And I loved learning that he worked at an insurance company in his adult life, and wrote poetry on the side. Many of his co-workers were unaware he was a poet until his death! What an inspiration and a reminder that we can/must have jobs, AND cultivate our voices as writers. Now I’m rambling, but that’s okay. Hope you and your family are doing well. Take care of yourself:)

        1. Dear Michael,
          So lovely to hear all your news. OF COURSE you have a book in you – I’m waiting for it!
          I have been approached by a publisher here in Australia to publish a book of poetry – so hopefully by the end of the year that will have happened. Then perhaps you will be reading my book, and I will be reading yours! Fingers crossed for us both. 🙂
          I think once a month for a blog post is perfect – keeps them wanting more. (Or at least, that’s my experience, I love to sit down to your posts.)
          Re Wallace Stevens and having a job – I think poetry is one of those pursuits that is very well suited to having other employment (and a good thing too, considering how much poets get paid!) You can cultivate those poetic thoughts and carry them around like hidden jewels all day, then disgorge them at night. It’s the perfect medium for the time-poor writer!
          Oh, your boys are growing up… that’s sad and happy! The teenage years should open up another whole range of things to write about… if they let you! Perhaps you should get that book written quickly, before they can protest!
          Take care, and many thanks for keeping in touch
          Michele

  2. Sounds like a powerful film and an all too common struggle in parts of the world. So many people being displaced by hatred and ignorance.

    On another note, I miss you. Your blog has been quite quiet. Hope you are well, Michele:)

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Michael, Thank you, and I miss you too! Your blog is also a little quieter of late. Other things in my life are muscling my treasured blog out – but it’s just a temporary lull! I’ll be back – and you?

      1. Hi Michele, I picked up another class in my teaching schedule so I haven’t had as much time to write. I’m also sifting through ideas to write about–as the boys become more independent little men, I feel I need to focus less on them. It’s weird. I’m trying to do at least a blog a month. I wish it could be more, but at least I’ll keep my feet wet, so to speak. I’ve grown to love writing, and I wonder how to bridge these experiences into something larger than blog entries. I feel I have a book in me, but that’s a few years down the road. Time will tell.
        In the meantime, it is bitter cold here on the east coast of the states, and I am looking forward to spring. By the way, I recently taught some of Wallace Steven’s poetry. What an amazing voice. And I loved learning that he worked at an insurance company in his adult life, and wrote poetry on the side. Many of his co-workers were unaware he was a poet until his death! What an inspiration and a reminder that we can/must have jobs, AND cultivate our voices as writers. Now I’m rambling, but that’s okay. Hope you and your family are doing well. Take care of yourself:)

        1. Post
          Author

          Dear Michael,
          So lovely to hear all your news. OF COURSE you have a book in you – I’m waiting for it!
          I have been approached by a publisher here in Australia to publish a book of poetry – so hopefully by the end of the year that will have happened. Then perhaps you will be reading my book, and I will be reading yours! Fingers crossed for us both. 🙂
          I think once a month for a blog post is perfect – keeps them wanting more. (Or at least, that’s my experience, I love to sit down to your posts.)
          Re Wallace Stevens and having a job – I think poetry is one of those pursuits that is very well suited to having other employment (and a good thing too, considering how much poets get paid!) You can cultivate those poetic thoughts and carry them around like hidden jewels all day, then disgorge them at night. It’s the perfect medium for the time-poor writer!
          Oh, your boys are growing up… that’s sad and happy! The teenage years should open up another whole range of things to write about… if they let you! Perhaps you should get that book written quickly, before they can protest!
          Take care, and many thanks for keeping in touch
          Michele

    1. Post
      Author
  3. Post
    Author

Leave a Reply to Michele Seminara Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *