P.E.N.S. or Poetic Energy Needed in Society shines a light on an underrated artistic movement, specifically in a predominantly Black community in Houston, Texas. P.E.N.S. studies a fascinating creative ecosystem tucked away in one of Texas's largest cities, a group of artists who express their truth through the power of spoken word and poetry. This is not the grandiloquent poetry of yesteryear, but a funky and bold art form with a rhythmic flow and fast-paced delivery that draws from African traditions and resembles the rap and hip-hop musical genres. The beauty of the poets’ work flies in the face of those who dismiss rap/hip-hop as a culturally insignificant art form. P.E.N.S. aims to bring awareness to this underground movement.
Although the content of P.E.N.S. is captivating, the film's form lacks momentum. Director Mikell Limbrick structures his film within the same basic format: a poet introduces themselves and their work, we watch a performance clip, and the artist speaks some more. At the over two-hour runtime, this structure can become wearying, especially with over twenty interviews. But luckily the accomplished orators have engrossing stories and the clips of their performances are incredibly powerful. It is admirable of Limbrick to just sit back and let the community speak for itself.
In their performances, the poets speak hard truths in brusque and passionate ways, covering a range of subjects from systemic racism (particularly the Black Lives Matter movement and the Ferguson shooting), feminism, parenthood, romantic relationships, poverty, and what it means to live and work as an American. For many of these artists, poetry is an escape from difficult home lives or addiction. They also raise thoughtful issues about the tensions between commercialism and art (particularly during the age of social media) such as the benefits of monetizing their art and how to establish a brand while also staying true to their work.
Limbrick assembles an extraordinary constellation of passionate artists from the Houston poetry scene from all ages and backgrounds; their stories and performances are both moving and informative, offering poignant perspectives on what it means to be human and specifically as a Black American. P.E.N.S. is an inspiring work that radiates with the artists’ deep love for their creative passion and, most importantly, amplifies Black voices. Poetic Energy Needed in Society makes a strong addition to African-American studies shelves as well as Black History Month and National Poetry Month programming.