Event

ruth weiss, the beat goddess

North American Premiere of documentary film ruth, weiss the beat goddess

Synopsis:

In a life that has spanned 91 creative years, ruth weiss is one of the last living significant poets 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 1940s she opened up and organized the first poetry readings in cafes and bars in North Beach giving a platform to many poets. She is a contemporary of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac, and she was the originator of reading poetry to jazz.

Legend Herb Caen dubbed ruth weiss as "The Goddess of the Beat Generation" because of her contribution to the culture of North Beach and the Bay Area poetry scene. Known around the world, ruth weiss continues to this day to perform her poetry. Inspired by her work this documentary uses poetic imagery through dance, art, animation, and music to embody her oeuvre.

Run time: 77 mins

United States

Directed by: Melody C. Miller

Screening with short film Diary 2013-2018
Directed by: Soyeon Kim
United States
Run time: 3 mins
California Premiere