Philadelphia Film Society’s “Movies on the Block” is Back Featuring Screenings in Various Neighborhoods
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is excited to announce after a two year hiatus, the long-running summer movie series, Movies on the Block, will make its return this June. This year’s summer screening program kicks off on June 19 and will be hosted in every corner of Philadelphia. The lineup includes screenings of DRUMLINE, BLACK PANTHER, FANTASTIC MR. FOX, and COCO!
Movies on the Block is a free, seasonal screening program designed to support Philadelphia neighborhoods with little access to film. By partnering with local community groups and organizations, each event invigorates established community gathering spaces and facilitates engagement with meaningful film programming and activities.
“PFS is thrilled to be returning to our Movies on the Block program this summer, after being on hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer film series is deeply rooted in the mission of PFS – using film as a community building tool to inspire, educate, challenge, and entertain,” states Kyrie Fisher, Community Engagement Manager at the Philadelphia Film Society. “Thanks to the collaboration with our community partners for each event, we are able to create unique experiences that speak to the wants and needs of the neighborhoods they are serving – and celebrates the diverse fabric of communities that make up our city.”
“The core of Make the World Better Foundation’s work is connecting communities with public spaces, so it was a no-brainer when we heard of Movies on the Block, especially for Waterloo Park,” states community partner, Taylor Melodick-Robinson, Engagement Specialist at Make the World Better Foundation. “Waterloo, in the heart of West Kensington, has been temporarily closed for much-needed repairs but is set to reopen this summer. Movies on the Block will give the Waterloo community an opportunity to come together again – for a safe, fun, and memorable experience.”
COMPLETE MOVIES ON THE BLOCK LINE-UP:
DRUMLINE | SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Neighborhood: University City
Location: The Lawn at uCity (3701 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
Charles Stone III | USA | 2002 | 118 MIN | PG-13
Time: 5:00 PM (event start time) /// 8:00 PM (movie start time)
Lead Partner: Kabila Events & 6ix 8ight
Let’s celebrate this day of emancipation, strength, and hope together.
Come out for our first ever 21+ Movies On The Block: Block Party Edition! Featuring Black vendors from around Philadelphia, our Juneteenth Movies On The Block will feature free drinks sponsored by Tito’s, a live DJ, Black movie trivia, a raffle, lawn games, and more.
BLACK PANTHER | SATURDAY, JULY 9
Neighborhood: North Philadelphia
Location: Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church (1854 N 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19121)
Film: Ryan Coogler | USA | 2018 | 134 MIN | PG-13
Time: 6:00 PM (event start time) /// 8:00 PM (movie start time)
Lead Partner: Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church
Come out for a summer night of food, games, and fun for the whole family with North Philly neighbors and nonprofits from across the city. Before the screening of BLACK PANTHER, grab a bite to eat, get help signing up for SNAP benefits, and take some time to make your own sci-fi superhero inventions and try your hand at assembling a superhero team.
FANTASTIC MR. FOX| SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Location: FDR Park (1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145)
Wes Anderson | USA | 2009 | 88 MIN | PG
Time: 6:00 PM (event start time) /// 8:00 PM (movie start time)
Lead Partner: Friends of FDR Park
Come join PFS and FDR Park for a day of celebrating nature and community. Come early to enjoy a foraging walk, nature yoga and meditation, and Cambodian water ice provided by the Cambodian Association, not to mention plenty of movie related crafts and popcorn to get you in the mood for a fantastic flick!
COCO | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Neighborhood: West Kensington
Location: Waterloo Playground (2502-12 N Howard St, Philadelphia, PA 19133)
Lee Unkrich | USA | 2017 | 104 MIN | PG
Time: 6:00 PM (event start time) /// 8:00 PM (movie start time)
Lead Partner: Philabundance
Join Make the World Better Foundation and PFS for an evening of neighborhood celebration! We’ll be in the playground all evening long, working with neighbors and neighborhood businesses and organizations to provide an evening of culture, food, and fun before we dance the night away with COCO in the Land of the Dead.
