Louder Than a Bomb

“The point is not the points; the point is the poetry,” says an organizer of LOUDER THAN A BOMB – the largest high school “poetry slam” (spoken word poetry festival) in the world. In this inspiring documentary, filmmakers Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel follow four teams as they prepare for the Chicago event, held annually in March, which draws over 400 teens from around the city. Nate, competing for the sixth time and the son of recovered drug addict, pushes himself while inspiring his teammates to excel. Nova helps her single mother raise her disabled brother, while working an afterschool job, maintaining her place on the honor roll, and writing the most intimate, cathartic poetry. Adam, a wordsmith for as long as he can remember, brings enthusiasm and energy to the event unmatched by any other competitor. These are just a few of the kids who put their life into words and let words shape their lives. And the competition is just half the battle. – E.J.B.