Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

About Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is a profound documentary that brings to light the life, influence and accomplishments of Nikki Giovanni, one of America's greatest living poets and social commentators. This film provides a window into Giovanni’s unique perspectives on society, art, and her own personal history.

Making / Production

The documentary was filmed over several years, encompassing a variety of diverse locations that are influential in Giovanni's life and work. The creators strived to closely portray the poet's day-to-day experiences while also encapsulating the broad and enduring influence of her poetic voice which continually bridges the gap between her personal life and the societal landscape.

Actors

• Nikki Giovanni - Played herself - Nikki’s authenticity and raw expression of her life experiences enrich this documentary, making it a must-watch.
• Other notable figures and poets appear in the documentary, reflecting on Giovanni's influential voice and impact it had on their own lives and works.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about it

• Giovanni was named as "Woman of the Year" by Ms. Magazine, Mademoiselle Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, and Ebony.
• She was the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award.
• Giovanni is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, where she has taught since 1987.

Awards

No awards have been listed for this movie yet. Stay tuned for updates.

Quotes

• "I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try." - Nikki Giovanni
• "Everything will change. The only question is growing up or decaying." - Nikki Giovanni
• "I am so hip even my errors are correct." - Nikki Giovanni

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s soundtrack features a host of classical and contemporary tracks aiming to complement and emphasize the powerful and emotive themes present throughout the film.
• The music is carefully chosen to echo Giovanni's strong voice, her resilience, and her enduring influence on society and culture.