2021 PFF SpringFest
The Return of the In-Person Film Festival Experience
at the PFS Bourse
Every fall, the Philadelphia Film Festival brings Philly film lovers the best of the year-end slate of cinematic offerings. But what about the films hitting theaters throughout the spring and summer? With PFF SpringFest, the Philadelphia Film Society presents a mid-year survey of the freshest cinematic marvels from the international festival circuit–from American indie darlings and eye-opening documentaries to acclaimed foreign titles. Each film will be having its Philadelphia premiere, ensuring that SpringFest attendees will have an early jump on the films destined to dominate cinephile conversations in the months to come.
All Screenings for PFF SpringFest will take place at the PFS Bourse Theater with select films available on PFS’s exclusive digital platform as well as in theaters. Click here to learn more about PFS Virtual Cinema
BADGES & TICKETS
SUMMER OF SOUL
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson | 2021 | USA | ENGLISH | 117 MIN
Friday, June 11 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse | Opening Night Film
Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the debut documentary showcases director Questlove’s (of The Roots) passion for music history as he investigates the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival’s place in history. Highly attended and featuring incredible performances from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Sly and the Family Stone (just to name a few), the festival itself stands as a watershed moment that fell into obscurity for reasons that are just as meaningful today as they were back then.
SUMMER OF SOUL is also available to enjoy virtually. | Geoblocked Pennsylvania, New Jersey, & Delaware.
THE SPARKS BROTHERS
Edgar Wright | 2021 | UK, USA | ENGLISH | 135 MIN
Saturday, June 12 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
Edgar Wright applies his patented brand of humor to this show-stopping rockumentary about the prolific, hilarious, eclectic band Sparks. Join brothers Ron and Russell Mael through an invigorating tour of their ups and downs in the music business and the many telling masterpieces they made along the way.
THE SPARKS BROTHERS is also available to enjoy virtually. | Geoblocked to the United States.
AILEY
Jamila Wignot | 2021 | USA | ENGLISH | 82 MIN
Sunday, June 13 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
Sporting class and poise, filmmaker Jamila Wingot returns to PFS screens with her newest documentary, a look into the life and work of dance pioneer Alvin Ailey. Highlighting his work in portraying the African American experience through dance, this in-depth portrait poetically captures the complexities of one of the most beloved artists in his medium.
AILEY is also available to enjoy virtually. | Geoblocked to the United States.
THE MEANING OF HITLER
Petra Epperlein, Michael Tucker | 2020 | USA | ENGLISH, GERMAN | 92 MIN
Monday, June 14 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
How does the past inform the present? What about the future? Directors Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker examine what Hitler means as a historical figure through the lense of the new waves of anti-semitism and white supremacy. Historians and nazi hunters alike weigh in on why it is so important today more than ever to understand our history and how it can be weaponized.
THE MEANING OF HITLER is also available to enjoy virtually. | Geoblocked to the United States.
WEREWOLVES WITHIN
Josh Ruben | 2021 | USA | ENGLISH | 97 MIN
Tuesday, June 15 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
Something strange is afoot in the small town of Beaverfield. Brutal attacks from what appears to be a vicious animal have been terrorizing the community and the newly arrived forest ranger is on case… If only he can figure out which of the oddball residents might be involved. As gut-bustingly funny as it is thrilling, this light horror romp is a whodunnit of terrifying proportions.
CRYPTOZOO
Dash Shaw | 2021 | USA | ENGLISH | 95 MIN
Wednesday , June 16 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
Renowned comic book artist and former PFF filmmaker and juror Dash Shaw (MY ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL SINKING INTO THE SEA, PFF25) rides again with an all-star cast of voices featuring Lake Bell, Michael Cera and Zoe Kazan in this shocking, beautiful, thought-provoking adult animation about zookeepers who attempt to capture a mythical creature that eats bad dreams, only to get caught in a tangled web that leaves them wondering if public confinement is safer than letting fabled beasts keep themselves hidden from the world.
SWAN SONG
Todd Stephens | 2021 | USA | ENGLISH | 105 MIN
Thursday, June 17 | 7:00 PM | PFS Bourse
Udo Kier gives a career defining performance as a flamboyant former hairdresser who takes one last stroll down the memory lane of his small town after being asked to do the do of a recently deceased elderly rich woman for a handsome price. Touching, charming and downright hilarious in moments, Swan Song is one actors’ showcase you’ll not soon forget.
SWAN SONG is also available to enjoy virtually. | Geoblocked to the United States.