Elizabeth Bishop inspires film screening

Tonight at 7pm, the EB Society is proud to present, EB Projected: Short Films about Elizabeth Bishop, at the Music Room (6181 Lady Hammond Road, 429-9467). Linda Rae Dornan and Sandra Barry will host and present new and old films about the beloved poet.

Regarded as a force in American literature, poet Elizabeth Bishop would have turned 100 years old in February. As a tribute and memorial to her and her work, the EB Society of Nova Scotia is reeling in the years with short films inspired by Bishop.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bishop lived in Nova Scotia with her grandparents after her father died and her mother was sent to an insane asylum. From there, she travelled the world making notable stops in Ireland, Italy, North Africa and France, before settling down in Key West, Florida.

Bishop's work was heavily influenced by her friend, mentor and poet Marianne Moore. She was also partial to the silent film work of Buster Keaton. In 1988 PBS made her the subject of their documentary series, Voices and Visions. Aside from PBS, in 1994 CBS did two short features and in 2002 CBC also produced a short feature devoted to Bishop. Even Youtube's down with EB. She's got her own channel there, where dedicated fans have uploaded videos of people reading her poems.

Her impact is still relevant among the arts industry 32 years after her death, so head up to The Music Room to pay respects, get pointers or simply drink in her influence.