WATCH THE TRAILER
ABOUT THE FILM
I BREATHE LIFE! The Story of Monica Daye & SUSO follows award-winning Durham poet, educator, and survivor-advocate Monica Daye as she transforms personal trauma into a movement for healing. Monica found her voice in Durham’s vibrant spoken word community, where Black poets and artists used poetry to confront difficult truths and give language to the realities surrounding them. For Monica, poetry became a way to reclaim her story and turn survival into purpose.
Today, through Stand Up Speak Out-NC (SUSO), Monica carries that creative power into the community. As she mentors girls, leads poetry workshops, supports survivors, and opens a permanent healing center in Durham, the film reveals how the art that once helped her survive has become a source of strength for others. Rooted in poetry, intimate reflection, and community, I BREATHE LIFE! is a story of healing in motion, and of one woman placing the power she discovered in her own voice into the hands of a new generation.
FILMMAKERS:
- Leslie Cunningham – Filmmaker and founder of TRIBES Entertainment, Leslie Cunningham directs and produces documentaries exploring music, arts, and culture. A graduate of Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, her debut feature, M.I., A Different Kind of Girl, screened at multiple film festivals.
- Debbie Vu – Founder of Ironwork Media, Debbie Vu is a documentary filmmaker, co-director, and co-producer focused on stories of hope and inspiration. She studied electronic journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill.
- Salfrico Films: Salfrico Films is a North Carolina-based production company led by award-winning cinematographer S’alfrico Watson-Grant. The company creates visually compelling documentaries centered on culture, community, and social impact.
CONTACT:
Email: Lesliecunninghampro@gmail.com
DONATE
Fiscal Sponsor:
Support SUSO-NC:
