A filmed sequence of poems inspired by interviews with 14 small business owners in all five boroughs that kept NYC running during the pandemic.   “The filmed sonnet crown is composed of 15 languages, innovating the sonnet form as well as expanding the genres of narrative and documentary film.”

“ The project film celebrates small business owners of establishments—such as a barbershop, a pharmacy, and an immigration service—throughout the five boroughs. After interviewing these New Yorkers, Tran wrote sonnets that they recited to the camera, capturing their feelings and thoughts about the pandemic that has taken a disproportionate toll on many of their lives and livelihoods. ”

Sonnet Crown for NYC is poetry artist Cindy Tran’s project, which was originally commissioned by The Shed’s Open Call program in Summer 2021.

“The screening and Q&A of the film took place on June 5, 2021 at 8 pm in The McCourt. The film was on view through August 1, 2021 at The Shed.”