In 1978, Charles Bukowski moved to San Pedro with his wife to be, Linda, where he wrote prolifically, until his death in 1994. Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of stories and six novels, Bukowski eventually published over forty-five books and various collections of his work chronicling his own personal experiences reflecting the gritty glamor of Los Angeles and society in general.
After a few years working as a mail carrier and later for many years as a clerk at the US Post Office, Terminal Annex, in downtown LA, his experiences inspired his acclaimed debut novel, Post Office. His works address the full spectrum of the human condition, from his own tangled youth and the wretchedness of the world in general, to more uplifting works that have heartfelt expressions of love and joy highlighting the good things that come our way in life. Through his unbridled passion for writing, Bukowski became a philosopher in his own right and his works remain widely influential and more popular today than during his lifetime. Since his death there have been over 20 more works published. The universal accessibility of his acclaimed poetry and modern works resonate within the hearts of readers worldwide.
Now San Pedro and the San Pedro International Film Festival are celebrating what would have been Bukowski’s 95th birthday Celebration. Taking place Sunday, August 16th in historic downtown San Pedro, the event will include a screening of Factotum, a feature film based on one of his novels directed by Bent Hamer (1001 Grams), poetry and art contests, a special visit from LA’s own Poet Laureate, Luis J. Rodriguez, to read selected Bukowski works, a panel and Q&A, a curated exhibition of images taken by several leading professional photographers, books, Bukowski ephemera, and souvenirs for purchase.
WHERE: The event will take place at close-by venues in Downtown San Pedro:
(Historic Warner Grand)
WHEN: 3:00pm, Sunday August 16
Poetry & Art Contest
A Call For Entries for Bukowski style poems and best original artwork of Bukowski is announced. For more information please email or submit works to bukowski@spiffest.org. One entry per person.
TICKETS: Tickets are available for $15.00 which include access to all events, film screening and poetry slam and art contest exhibit, and limited number of Special Passes are available which grant access to all events including a drink ticket for $30. Student tickets with valid ID are available for $10.00.
Tickets and information at www.spiffest.org.
Photo by and copyright (c) 1981 by Elisa Leonelli.