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Film: Red Poet: The Story of Jack Hirschman

Sunday, 12/12/2021
2:00 - 3:00
Koret Auditorium
Main Library
Address

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

Contact Telephone

A film screening and Q & A with director Matthew Furey, introduction by Francis Furey, producer.

Matthew Furey's Red Poet paints a soulful picture of San Francisco's own Jack Hirschman and brings to the silver screen the singular life of this troubadour for modern times. A modest Bronx childhood first gives way to a shooting star career in academia. Controversial teaching stints at Dartmouth and UCLA make him anathema to the academy; he is fired for his opposition to the Vietnam War. Soon Hirschman finds himself penniless and homeless on the streets of San Francisco. Through it all, Hirschman perseveres, continues to write his poems and publish over 100 books of poetry. Red Poet recounts a tale of a life lived on its own terms: against all odds, a unique poetic talent finds personal redemption through his art and his poetry. 

 

Director Matthew Furey grew up around Jack Hirschman, who was a close friend of and politically active with his father Francis Furey in radical left wing politics of the 1980’s. The two had the same birthdays so the stars were aligned for Red Poet to come to fruition, to tell the tale of one of San Francisco’s great literary giants. Furey is also a San Francisco Unified School District teacher of History.

 


Watch party and film discussions. 

Programs designed to celebrate the art of the poem, including readings and talks.


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

For questions about the program or help registering, contact sfplcpp@sfpl.orgAll programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL or language interpretation), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.