Cal State Long Beach is hosting a free screening of the award-winning documentary “Louder Than a Bomb” today from 2 to 4 p.m. in the University Student Union ballroom.
The documentary, directed by Jon Siskel and Greg Jacobs, chronicles the journey of four high school’s spoken word teams to compete in the annual “Louder Than a Bomb” Competition in Chicago.
The film has already won numerous awards, including the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival Audience Choice Award and 2010 Virginia Film Festival Best Documentary.
The event, sponsored by the Multicultural Center, the Men’s Success Initiative, the College of Liberal Arts Student Council and the USU Program Council, will also consist of a Q&A session and a performance of spoken word by Nate Marshall.
Marshall, who is part of the documentary, is an award-winning poet, rapper, educator and activist who has been featured on HBO’s “Brave New Voices,” according to a press release.
Justin Stallings, coordinator of the Men’s Success Initiative at CSULB, said it is important to screen this film because it highlights people turning their struggle into triumph.
“[The competitors] are from inner-city Chicago … they come together for one purpose, which is spoken word and they compete in a positive environment,” Stallings said.
James Sauceda, director of the MCC, said this film is an example of how the spoken word can be an empowering experience.
“Personal self-expression can be uplifting and give a lot [of people] hope,” he said.