Suzanne Cohen Filmmaker and Educator

‘Beautiful Sentence’ screening at the House of Commons

‘Beautiful Sentence’ is a documentary about inspirational poet Leah Thorn and her work with female prisoners. Excerpts from the film will be screened at two separate events at the House of Commons aimed at decision buy CBD products focusing on prison reform and rehabilitation in June and July 2011.

I filmed Leah’s workshops and one to one sessions with prisoners inside HMP Bronzefield, Middlesex (UK) during her two years as writer in residence. The film depicts powerful interactions with the women as they strive to find a voice through creative writing.

http://vimeo.com/suzanne/beautifulsentence

A group poem written at the Israel/Palestine Study Day, BKY

His fear is the colour

of crushed bluestone

Her fear pulses through her,

imprinted by a mother’s desperation

His fear of insignificance

makes him state defiantly,

‘Respect me! Listen to me!

I am not a worm!’

Her fear keeps her silent,

her throat locked by love –

or the fear of losing it

His fear of Arab hatred of his Jewishness

comes from a common fear of malice,

which the Arabs in turn fear

from well-armed Israelis.

By Bob, Ian, John, Leah, Suzanne