Watch To Be Heard

To Be Heard is a powerful documentary that tells the story of three teenagers from the Bronx who find solace and healing through the art of spoken word poetry. The film follows Karina, Pearl, and Anthony, three high school students who are struggling to find their place in the world. They attend a public school in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Bronx, where poverty, crime, and violence are a part of everyday life. They live in broken families and face a myriad of challenges, including poverty, homelessness, and abuse.

Despite the odds stacked against them, the three students discover the power of spoken word poetry in their English class, led by their teacher Roland Legiardi-Laura. The class becomes a safe space where they can express themselves and address the issues that affect their lives.

As they hone their craft and share their poems with their community, they begin to find their voices and take ownership of their stories. They become part of the larger spoken word poetry community in New York City, performing at open mics and festivals across the city.

But as they pursue their dreams and passions, they also confront the harsh realities of their lives. Karina struggles with homelessness and poverty and has to balance her schoolwork and poetry with taking care of her younger siblings. Pearl faces domestic violence and must find the courage to speak out against it. Anthony has a troubled past and must navigate the criminal justice system.

Throughout the film, the three teenagers and their teacher provide insight into the transformative power of spoken word poetry. They talk about how it has given them a way to express themselves and cope with their struggles, and how it has helped them develop a sense of community and belonging.

To Be Heard is a moving and inspiring film that captures the triumphs and struggles of three remarkable young people. It's a story of resilience, creativity, and hope, and it shows how the art of spoken word poetry can change lives and communities.

To Be Heard is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 82.