Runtime26mGenreShort, DocumentaryDirected byRichard YeagleyWritten byMark Anthony ThomasStarringZiaire MannRelease DateJanuary 10, 2026
‘In Need of Seawater’ Review: Poetry Comes Alive
In this inspiring short doc, poet Mark Anthony Thomas returns to the poems that shaped his early creative life.
A good film is not only cathartic to watch, but can also be therapeutic to create. This is no more apparent than in the short documentary In Need of Seawater, a deeply personal look into the life of poet and producer Mark Anthony Thomas. Directed by Richard Yeagley, In Need of Seawater is a moving portrait of Thomas’s vulnerability and creative self-expression. Through poignant poetry, Thomas uses his voice to connect with the viewer as he reminisces about being a young black man navigating his identity in this country.
This is America
In Need of Seawater marks the beginning of a trilogy of documentary short films produced and written by Thomas. Filmed within the confines of a small apartment filled with friends, Thomas – nicknamed “The Poet” – reads aloud from the original works he created in his early twenties. Two decades after the release of his book The Poetic Repercussion, described as a lyrical triumph, Thomas recites poems like “Ocean Tides,” “Child Support Checkmarks,” and “Ink Blot Testing” to a captivating audience. He speaks about various aspects of culture, including nature, love, politics, spirituality, racism, and more. His poems may be derived from past experiences, but it’s evident that those early works continue to resonate today.
Poetry Comes Alive in Stunning Visuals
The way filmmaker Richard Yeagley captures this moment is incredibly intimate; it’s like we’re there in the room with him. While Thomas reads various passages aloud, the documentary cuts to different montages with thematic relevance to the poem being recited. These stunning visuals bring the poetry to life. The incorporation of archival footage adds a backstory that complements his lifelong desire and passion to express himself through words.
Takeaway
Mark Anthony Thomas is a true Renaissance man whose career spans journalism, public service, in addition to his creative work. In this inspiring short documentary, he returns to the poems that shaped his early creativity. In Need of Seawater is set for release on January 10, 2026.
