May 30, 31 | 2PM CST
Join acclaimed poetry filmmaker and educator Helen Dewbery for a two-part hands-on workshop exploring poetry film. On Saturday, May 30 at 2 PM CST, participants will create a short poetry film using a poem they bring and their cell phone. On Sunday, May 31 at 2 PM CST, the workshop continues with refining and editing those films into polished, submission-ready pieces. Participants should download the VN Video Editor (available for iPhone and Android) in advance.
Welcome all! REELpoetry is a hybrid international poetry film festival dedicated to short films and videos infused with poetry or with a strong poetic sensibility. Based in Houston, Texas, this festival is on the radar of curators, presenters and festival directors from Australia to Germany, Mexico to Ireland.
Our open call accepts film and video intertwined with poetry, and also work that’s poetic in nature – wordless, experimental, animated or documentary – under 6 minutes in length. We also provide a platform to network and grow in an open, supportive community.
REELpoetry 2025 was one of the highlights of my creative career. I learned so much and am so inspired to continue to experiment with the possibilities of videopoetry. Thank you for such an amazing experience.”
Peter Whittenberger
Interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker
What a wonderful festival! I was blown away by the array of poetry films and filmmakers I was exposed to as a part of the online screenings and talks. Houston is also a wonderful place to visit, and everyone I met was lovely. Thank you to the REELpoetry and Public Poetry teams!
Kevin Dublin
Educator, Writer, Programmer
This is a great festival, meticulously organized and hosted. I’ve only been able to attend the online part of the festival so far, but the Zoom cafes are fabulous, great to be able to watch a series of films and then talk with the makers straight afterwards.
Janet Lees
Poet and lens based artist
