As many of you may already know, I am a writer and literary events producer based in Philadelphia. I organize an outdoor daytime poetry series called Bring a Blanket Reading Series, and am creating a brand new series called Poems & A Movie.

The inaugural event of Poems & A Movie (a brand new series combining film, writing, and community) will take place on August 8th, 6:30-10pm, at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture (3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104) with the Philadelphia premiere of Sometimes I Dream in Farsi, an award-winning film by indie filmmaker Dr. Pirooz Kalayeh, along with readings by three literary superstars: Porochista Khakpour (author of Tehrangeles, 2024), Alina Pleskova (author of Toska, 2023), and Violet Gehringer (author of I Love You It, Looks Like Rain, 2017).

Co-presented by Be About It Press with Cannonball and Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, the event weaves personal and political intersections into an exploration of identity, expression, and cultural bonds. Sometimes I Dream in Farsi examines a traumatic racist incident in Kalayeh's childhood and examines the role that therapy and discussion offer as a path forward for children and adults who have endured similar encounters. Khakpour, Pleskova, and Gehringer offer intimate readings connecting a wide range of shared experiences. 

This event is also support by Philly Iranians, a coalition of local volunteers advocating for a free Iran alongside the #WomenLifeFreedom revolution. 

You can get tickets here: https://shorturl.at/bSXbd  

I've started an Indiegogo campaign to help raise funds to cover costs for this event which include space rental, staffing, and travel costs, and also to help generate interest to a wider audience.

What We Need & What You Get

• We need $200 for space rental and staffing, and $300 for travel and lodging. Any extra that we receive will go towards making the next event possible!

• Contributors will receive tickets to the event, as well as merchandise from the filmmaker and Be About It Press.

The Impact

• Your support means so much! You are helping to make this (and future events) possible! 

• Important films deserve to be seen by anyone who wants to experience them. Our mission is to bring these films to the public, bolstered by traveling and local literary heroes.

• Everything I do, I do it because I believe that it matters. Your support helps me keep going!

Other Ways You Can Help

Support isn't just about the money:

• If you are not able to financially contribute, you can still help the realization of this event series! Simply share this campaign, or share our flier!

• Come to the event! Bring some friends! Getting people to experience this reading and film is what my work is all about!