Video poem by Terrance Hayes, directed by Radiclani Clytus
On the eve of the 157th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, National Book Award–winning poet Terrance Hayes collaborated with RoundO Films to reflect on the historical realities that preserve the Lowcountry region’s sacred Watch Night ritual and Emancipation Day services. In this atmospheric repurposing of their original documentary short, Watch Night: An Extended Public Service Announcement, Hayes strips away the film’s documentary features and reveals his poem’s fitting relevance as a Juneteenth commemorative. To view the full-length documentary, visit RoundO Films.