Can poetry change lives? “Finding the Words: The Story of Voices from Inside” is a documentary about the impact writing & community have on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, as well as women in recovery in Western Massachusetts.
Learn about how these women come together to write poetry, find hope and friendship, and inspire others through their performances and workshops with the public.
Trailer
Film Team
Alexandra Wagman | Director, Executive Producer
Alexandra is a filmmaker, professor of English, and the Service-Learning Program documentarian at Holyoke Community College. She came to know the women of Voices from Inside through their visits to HCC and performances in the community. She was moved to witness how expressive writing could have such a positive impact.
Florian Marschoun | Executive Producer, Director of Photography
Florian is a full time photographer and filmmaker. Originally from Austria, he moved to the United States in 2014 and has worked on multiple creative projects since then. He serves on the board of Northampton Open Media. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
J.D. Swerzenski | Editor, Audio Engineer, Associate Producer
J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Communication at Mary Washington
University. His work explores the role of media production and instructional software play in structuring learning practices as well as how educators might retheorize our use of technological tools to support critical engagement.
Danielle Amodeo | Producer
Danielle is the founder of Arts Equity Group, a network of activists, artists, and organizational consults devoted to working toward equity in the arts and cultural sector. She is the Chair of the Northampton Arts Council. She holds a Bachelor’s in European Studies from Amherst College and a Master’s in Art History from Williams College.
Aundrea Marschoun | Director of Photography
Aundrea is a professional photographer and is currently studying psychology at Smith College. Her creative work focuses on storytelling with an emphasis on human connection and vulnerability.
Sara Sacks | Cinematographer
After receiving her MA in Media Studies at the University of Oregon, Sara worked as an advocate and community engagement specialist at Safe Passage, a domestic violence non-profit in Northampton, MA. She is now working towards receiving her J.D. at Emory University School of Law in hopes of representing survivors of domestic violence in her future career as an attorney.
Kelly Vogel | Composer
Kelly Vogel is a Learning Specialist, facilitator, and educator with over 20 years experience in the public and private sectors. She won a Community-Based Learning Grant and partnered for 3 years with Voices from Inside. Kelly, also a singer-songwriter has used the opportunity to write the music for the documentary as an opportunity to augment her support for VFI with the power of sound. Here’s a link to her website.