Even Though the Whole World is Burning

The film explores the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W.S. Merwin. 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.

Screening is followed by a reading with poet Jared Stanley celebrating the poetry of W.S. Merwin in the Prim Theater Lobby. Cash bar available. Special appearance by the film’s associate producers, Edward Morris and Susannah Saylor.