This documentary short explores the courage and talent of poet extraordinaire, Donika Kelly.

Released February 11th, 2026

I was turned onto Kelly’s work by my Women’s Literature professor, Kami Westhoff.

I decided to make a documentary of her and her work, taking portions of her interviews with Claremont Graduate University, Cleveland Book Week 2022, and the 87th Annual Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards and adding spoken poems from her collection, which include “Apologia II,” “In the Chapel of St. Mary’s,” and “Sighting: Almost.”

I filmed on location at Western Washington University’s Old Main Building inside and out, as well as Church of the Assumption in Bellingham, Washington.

I also added footage I’d taken at Cannon Beach, Oregon, and Yosemite National Park, where I’d lived for 13 months between 2023 and 2024 documenting the changing of the seasons.

For sound, I added echoing reverb to Kelly’s voice to boost the presence, which really stands out in “The Chapel of St. Mary’s” poem overlayed with footage from the church in Bellingham. I composed a simple and atmospheric piano soundtrack, recorded at the WWU campus.

I admire Kelly’s work and spirit so deeply, which is what made this project a deep honor.