Emily Dickinson Documentary in the Wings

Faith is not the only fine invention for those of us who see! Phosphorescence, a new project about Emily Dickinson, is narrated by Cynthia Nixon and comes from British production company Hurricane Films, the same team behind Terence Davies' narrative film about Dickinson, A Quiet Passion. "This is not just any documentary undertaking. We understand that we are trying to tell the life story of one of the greatest American poets of all time. To add to to the challenge, Emily was a woman who kept mostly to herself, so we will have to dig deep." At Kickstarter, more info:

You know Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most revered poets, forthright and startlingly original. You know her work was only discovered after her death at fifty-five in 1886. And you know her story needs to be told.

In 2015 our production company - Hurricane Films - produced a narrative feature called A Quiet Passion directed by auteur Terence Davies. This narrative film stars Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson and it will be completed in 2016.

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While working on the set of A Quiet Passion and feeling inspired by Dickinson's life and words, our entire team at Hurricane Films felt it was essential to dig even deeper into the life and times of one of the world’s greatest poets. We decided to make a documentary.

PHOSPHORESCENCE will be a comprehensive celebration of Emily Dickinson.

The documentary will be an essential companion piece to the narrative. Narrated by Cynthia Nixon (who plays Emily in the feature film) PHOSPHORESCENCE will take us on a journey through the seasons of Emily's life in mid 1800’s New England as we engage with her passionate relationships via her letters and poems. Emily’s deep love of horticulture and music as well as her closeness to her family and friends will form a rich tapestry - combining elements of a natural history film and a Koyaanisqatsi-esque travelogue. Together with an ensemble cast of highly recognized actors lending their voices to her many correspondences not dissimilar in tone and feel to Ken Burns' American Civil War. And with the differing views and interpretations of her poetry by contemporary experts we aim to weave a story that will both surprise, delight and throw light on some controversial opinion from unexpected quarters.

The documentary will endeavor to reflect qualities inspired by its subject, Emily Dickinson – deft words, passionate beliefs, searing individuality and a great story well told. The film has the support of the Emily Dickinson Museum and will be completed in mid 2016.

Details on perks for your contributions, and more info on the filmmakers and process, are here. Watch their video below.