Événement

Even Though the Whole World is Burning

BIMA and the Merwin Conservancy along with Copper Canyon Press present: Even Though the Whole World is Burning, a feature documentary about the life and work of environmental activist, Poet Laureate, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, W.S. Merwin.

Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin has won almost every major poetry prize that exists, including two Pulitzers. His legacy is based not only upon his writings, however, but also the singular form of environmental activism and land stewardship he embodies.

Now in his 87th year, Merwin has dedicated over three decades to preserving and regenerating native plants and palms on a 19-acre site on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii. Called the Merwin Conservancy, the preserve holds the most comprehensive private collection of palms in the world, with over 800 species. These tangible actions for the environment go hand-in-hand with his poetry, offering important insights for an era marked by environmental degradation, human disconnect with natural processes, and rapid climate change.

Merwin is a vibrant, humorous and challenging subject, and has not been involved in a feature documentary before. EVEN THOUGH THE WHOLE WORLD IS BURNING is an intimate portrait of a man who is often called a national treasure.

This special evening will open at 6pm with a light reception and on-site book sales of W.S. Merwin's work, published by Copper Canyon Press in Port Townsend. The screening of the film will begin at 7pm. Afterward, stay for Q & A and a conversation between Michael Wiegers, Copper Canyon Press Executive Director, and Islandwood's Exective Director, Ben Klasky.