LitFilm 2025: W.S. Merwin: Even Though the Whole World is Burning Screening & Talkback

Documentary, dir. by Stefan Schaefer 
U.S., 2014, 84 min 

During his lifetime, former Poet Laureate W. S. Merwin won almost every major poetry prize that exists, including two Pulitzers. His legacy was based not only upon his writings, but also the singular form of environmental activism and land stewardship he embodied. Having passed away in 2019, Merwin dedicated over three decades to preserving and regenerating native plants and palms on a 19-acre site on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii. 

Called the Merwin Conservancy, the preserve holds the most comprehensive private collection of palms in the world, with over 800 species. These tangible actions for the environment went hand-in-hand with his poetry, offering important insights for an era marked by environmental degradation, human disconnect with natural processes, and rapid climate change. Merwin is a vibrant, humorous and challenging subject, and had not been involved in a feature documentary before. Even Though the Whole World is Burning is an intimate portrait of a man who was often called a “national treasure.” The film will be followed by a talkback with director Stefan Schaefer and a guest. 

All screenings are free but require reservations. Times subject to change. For the full LitFilm roster, go here.