Don’t Be Nice

Director: Max Powers

Country: USA

Running Time: 96′

World Premiere

Year: 2018

For slam poetry coach Lauren Whitehead to “be nice” is to stay on the surface of things, to prop up the status quo and, for black people, to be what white culture demands. She pushes her team of young Brooklyn poets to go deeper and brave their inner demons, buck societal expectations and find their voice. Combining stunning performances with deeply personal stories of creative struggle and self discovery, Don’t Be Nice follows a team of young black Slam Poets on their journey to the National Championship during the racially-charged summer of 2016.
~Will Swinburne

Director Max Powers, coach Lauren Whitehead and members of the Bowery Slam Team are expected to attend and participate in a post-screening Q&A and performance!