Movies on the Block
Movies on the Block
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.
Developed in collaboration with community leaders, stakeholders, groups, and organizations, these events use film’s unique capacity to address interests and issues important to local neighborhoods. Each Movies on the Block event features a screening of an outstanding film paired with interactive activities, performances, educational demonstrations, giveaways, and more.
All Movies on the Block events are free and open to the public.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
Neighborhood: Cobbs Creek
Location: Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy.)
Film: STEP | Amanda Lipitz | 2017 | 84 MIN
Time: Event begins at 7:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: Cobbs Creek Neighbors
Activities: Before the film screening, enjoy hiking in Cobbs Creek Park with partners Outdoor Afro and Girls Trek, film-related activities from the Philadelphia Film Society, and more! If you can’t make it, tune into WURD Radio (96.1 on your FM dial) for event coverage by Vincent Thompson!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Neighborhood: West Passyunk
Location: Wilson Park, 27th and Snyder Streets
Film: HIDDEN FIGURES | Theodore Melfi | 2016 | 127 MIN
Time: Event begins at 5:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: West Passyunk Neighbors Association
Activities: Join the Philadelphia Film Society, West Passyunk Neighbors Association, & Newbold CDC for an evening of activities, community, and film in our beautiful new Wilson Playground. Members from local organizations will be providing information about their non-profit work and ways for you to get involved. Limited quantities of Popcorn and Water will be provided.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Neighborhood: Lawncrest
Location: Lawncrest Rec Center (6000 Rising Sun Ave.)
Film: STUART LITTLE | Rob Minkoff | 1999 | 84 MIN
Time: Event begins at 6:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: Catholic Community Services
Activities: Before the film screening learn more about available resources for community members, and enjoy film-related activities from the Philadelphia Film Society, snacks, giveaways, and more!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Location: Mifflin Square Park (6th and Ritner)
Film: ENGLISH VINGLISH | Gauri Shinde | 2012 | 134 MIN
Time: Event begins at 5:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: Mural Arts
Activities: Before the film screening, come enjoy movement-based play with SpinCo, enjoy the SoPhiE food truck, information from Friends of Mifflin Square, and film-related activities from the Philadelphia Film Society!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Neighborhood: Belmont / West Philadelphia
Location: Belmont Charter School (41st and Brown)
Film: HOME | Tim Johnson | 2015 | 94 MIN
Time: Event begins at 5:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: Belmont Alliance Community Association
Activities: Before the film screening enjoy outdoor games, storytime, and activities from Temple University Infant and Child Laboratory and Belmont Alliance Civic Association, film-related activities from the Philadelphia Film Society, snacks, giveaways and more!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Neighborhood: Germantown
Location: Awbury Arboretum (1 Awbury Rd.)
Film: THE SECRET OF KELLS | Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey | 2009 | 78 MIN
Time: Event begins at 6:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: Awbury Arboretum
Activities: Come out to Awbury Arboretum on September 6th to watch The Secret of Kells. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn before the movie starts with free watermelon from Weaver’s Way Co-op and free face painting for kids. You’ll also have a chance to get to know some goats, courtesy of the Philly Goat Project.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Neighborhood: Carroll Park
Location: Carroll Park Center for Hope, Help and Healing
Film: INSIDE OUT | Pete Docter | 2015 | 102 MIN
Time: Event begins at 2:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: HMC Squared
Activities: Come to the Carroll Park Center for Hope, Help and Healing on September 7th to watch Inside Out! Come do yoga and enjoy meaningful play at an event that is centered on relaxation, calmness, and peace. Leave with a greater sense of inner peace and and a greater understanding of what your community has to offer.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Neighborhood: Northern Philadelphia
Location: Fairhill Square Park (4th and Lehigh)
Film: ANNIE | Will Gluck | 2014 | 118 MIN
Time: Event begins at 5:00 PM – Film starts at sundown
Lead Partner: APM
Activities: Celebrate family and community unity with APM and the Philadelphia Film Society on September 13th in Fairhill Square Park, where, at dusk, we will be showing Annie starring Quvenzhané Wallis. In partnership with the 26th Police District, there will be a resource fair to familiarize neighbors with available services, to offer food and to generally have a lovely time as a community.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Neighborhood: North Central Philadelphia
Location: Cecil B Moore Rec Center (2551 N 22nd St.)
Film: BINGO LONG TRAVELING ALL-STARS & MOTOR KINGS | John Badham | 1976 | 111 MIN
Time: TBD
Lead Partner: NCP CDC
Activities: Part of the North Philadelphia Expo of Excellence and Legends, Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings will conclude a day of celebration of the history and future of North Philadelphia. Join us for sports, history and conversation, stay for this classic film.
If you have any questions about Movies on the Block, or are interested in hosting a program, please contact Rosie Jacobson, Education & Outreach Manager at rjacobson@filmadelphia.org
If you are interested, Movies on the Block Lead Partner Application will be open in April 2020.
Click here for the 2017 Movies on the Block Report.
Click here for the 2016 Movies on the Block Report.