'Ruth Weiss: The Beat Goddess': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about docu on legendary poet

The inventor of jazz poetry was a working poet for more than 70 years and a contemporary of Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac
Ruth Weiss (Courtesy of Melody C Miller)
Ruth Weiss (Courtesy of Melody C Miller)

Legendary poet, performer, playwright and artist, Ruth Weiss (known by the lowercase name 'ruth weiss'), was 92 when she passed away recently on July 31, 2020. The inventor of jazz poetry was a working poet for more than 70 years and a contemporary of Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac. Her contribution to the world of literature, poetry and art does not end here. Melody C Miller is bringing the legendary life story of the writer and beat poet to a larger audience via the documentary, 'Ruth Weiss: The Beat Goddess'. 

The film is not only set to chronicle her work offering viewers an insight into the poet but also celebrates the life and work of wonderful talent and woman. Here is everything you need to know about the documentary. 

Release date

For viewers in the UK, 'Ruth Weiss: The Beat Goddess' will premiere at the Romford Film Festival, Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

Plot

According to the official synopsis of the documentary, "In a life that has spanned 92 creative years, Ruth Weiss is one of the most influential writers of the Beat Generation. Born to a Jewish family during the rise of Nazism, as a 10-year-old refugee, she escaped to the United States. ruth became a Jazz troubadour exemplifying the zeitgeist of Chicago, New Orleans, and San Francisco. In the 1950s, she opened up and organized the first poetry readings in North Beach cafes and bars, giving a platform to many poets."

The documentary further highlights Ruth Weiss's "electrifying and intimate poetry with breathtaking images of exquisite modern dance, art, animation, and music to embody her oeuvre. This film documents not only weiss' gift to humanity but archives significant historical moments in our world's social and literary movements."

Creators 

The documentary is directed by Melody C Miller and produced by Elisabeth Montgomery. "It is up to us as Ruth Weiss’s friends and fans to make sure her poetry is read, heard, and experienced," Miller had said about bringing the documentary to a large audience. 

Trailer

You can watch the trailer for 'Ruth Weiss: The Beat Goddess' here



 

The trailer sheds light on how just by fluke, Weiss came to be the woman who started beat poetry. Legend Herb Caen dubbed her as "The Goddess of the Beat Generation" because of her contribution to the culture of North Beach and the Bay Area poetry scene. Ruth Weiss was recently awarded the 2020 Maverick Spirit Award from the Cinequest Film Festival which is given to influential individuals who embody the independent and innovative mindset.

If you like this, you'll love these:

'Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love'

'Trudell'

'Robert Frost: A Lover's Quarrel with the World'

'Poetry in Motion' 

'SlamNation' 

'Neruda'

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