Boaz Yakin and Mecca Verdell on 'Once Again (For the Very First Time)': A Deep Dive into Hip-Hop, Dance, and Storytelling

In this episode, I sit down with Mecca Verdell and Boaz Yakin to discuss their film  Once Again (For the Very First Time) , an electrifying hip-hop fantasia that delves deep into love, recognition, and the power of artistic expression. Boaz, acclaimed for Fresh and Remember the Titans, shares his vision of merging dance, poetry, and surreal storytelling to explore the intense relationship between DeRay, a legendary street dancer, and Naima, a spoken word poet. Mecca, a Baltimore native and internationally acclaimed poet, tells us about bringing Naima to life and how she championed a hometown screening at the historic Parkway Theatre.

Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Once Again at Baltimore’s Parkway Theatre on November 21st! The evening begins with a filmmaker happy hour at 6 pm, followed by short films from the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Fellows, leading into the screening. Stay afterward for a Q&A with Mecca, Boaz, and Oscar-winning producers Van Lathan and Nicholas Maye (Two Distant Strangers). Whether you're drawn to bold storytelling or fresh creative energy, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

Do you want to check out? Once Again (For the Very First Time) Grab your tickets here and watch the trailer for a sneak peek!

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. 

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