On 3 October, a new poetry film written and directed by Taylor Edmonds (former Poet in Residence for the Future Generations Commissioner of Wales) will premiere online.
Produced by Wales Arts International, We Echo is a magical story about a girl that is both human and of the natural world, called to return to nature by the sea through a dream of the end of earth. The piece is inspired by the things Taylor learnt during her time as Poet in Residence for the Future Generations Commissioner, and explores how we as people are inherently linked to nature; for our survival, wellbeing and spirituality.
Taylor Edmonds is a poet and writer from South Wales who is the current contributing editor at Poetry Wales. Her debut poetry pamphlet Back Teeth will be published on 30 September 2022 with Broken Sleep Books and launched on 1 October alongside a preview of We Echo at an event in the Wales Millennium Centre. Her work explores themes of womanhood, identity, connection, nature and empowerment.
We Echo features the talented dance artist Jodi Ann Nicholson, who also choreographed the piece, and was recently part of the This is Wales in Edinburgh Seeding for the Future cohort. A team of young creatives were also involved behind the lens, including Josh Hopkin (videography), Hannah Andrews (styling), and Luna Tides Productions (editing), and the poem was creatively translated to Welsh by Nia Morais.
The film premieres at 7pm on 3 October, streaming on the Arts Council of Wales Youtube channel below.
Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International, said: “Through her yearlong residency with the Future Generations Commissioner, Taylor has harnessed the power of poetry to highlight this year’s theme of ‘Wales to the World’, exploring Wales’ role in contributing to global positive change. We Echo is a beautiful, inspiring and thought-provoking poetry film, reminding us of our fundamental and urgent responsibilities - now and for future generations - to the natural world that nurtures and sustains us.”
The Poet in Residence initiative was supported by Future Generations Commissioner, Literature Wales and Wales Arts International.