AMERICAN FICTION Star Erika Alexander to be Honored in Philadelphia and Brooklyn
Mid-Career Retrospective will feature film screenings, community give-back events, talk-back sessions, and a street renaming
PHILADELPHIA, PA, (August 9, 2024) – The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is excited to partner with the City of Philadelphia, Color Farm Impact, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) to celebrate the achievement of actor, director, and producer Erika Alexander, September 19-21 (Philadelphia) and September 27-28 (Brooklyn).
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Erika Alexander’s discovery as an actress at the early age of 14 years. While attending a summer program at the famed Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, Erika auditioned for a Merchant Ivory independent film called MY LITTLE GIRL. Hundreds of young Black and brown girls auditioned for the movie. After 12 screen tests and 4 auditions, Erika was chosen for the lead role. This changed the trajectory of her entire life.
Forty years later, Erika’s career is as hot as ever, having starred last year in the Oscar-winning film, AMERICAN FICTION, for which she received multiple acting award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for both the Independent Spirit Award and the NAACP Image Award, as well as a SAG Award nomination for Best Ensemble Performance. Erika is also beloved for her iconic role as Maxine Shaw in the hit television series, LIVING SINGLE, as well as numerous other roles including Detective LaToya in GET OUT and Cousin Pam on THE COSBY SHOW.
The Erika Alexander Mid-Career Retrospective will feature numerous special events and ceremonies in both Philadelphia and Brooklyn, including film screenings, community give-back events, and talk-back sessions between Erika and special guests. An event highlight will be a very special street renaming transforming the street in front of Freedom Theatre, where Erika was discovered, into ‘Erika Alexander Way.’
Philadelphia and Brooklyn are special to Erika’s story for the following reasons:
Philadelphia:
- Erika attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls
- Erika was first discovered as an actress at the age of 14 years old in Philadelphia while attending Freedom Theatre
Brooklyn:
- Erika lived in East New York, Brooklyn when she acted in the role of “Cousin Pam” on THE COSBY SHOW
- Erika toured the world with The Royal Shakespeare Co. in Peter Brook’s groundbreaking play THE MAHABHARATA when she was 17 years old. This play re-opened the famed Majestic Theater in downtown Brooklyn which is known to the world today as the BAM Harvey Theater.
This Retrospective will also celebrate the community activism work that Erika champions, highlighting her newly launched non-profit, Color Farm Impact, as well as the campaign to revitalize Freedom Theatre. This series of events is about the appreciation Erika has for her roots and her desire to give back to the communities that raised her. A portion of the proceeds from each screening will be donated to a community arts non-profit organization.
Erika Alexander remarks, “I am touched and honored that the city of Philadelphia is honoring me with a street renaming. I am thrilled to commemorate my close ties to the city of Philadelphia where I grew up, and also to BAM where I first performed on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I hope to continue performing for another 40 years, but sometimes it is important to take a moment to reflect on the legacy and impact of your work. I never take for granted the great fortune I have to touch lives through the power of storytelling and performance, and I strive through my non-profit, Color Farm Impact, to encourage young people throughout the country to lean into the power of performing art and writing.”
Philadelphia Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., who sponsored the street renaming resolution, remarked, “I am thrilled to honor Erika Alexander by renaming the street in front of Freedom Theatre to ‘Erika Alexander Way!’ Erika’s incredible journey from being discovered as a 14-year-old actress at Freedom Theatre to becoming a celebrated star and community activist is nothing short of inspirational. This street renaming is a tribute to her remarkable achievements and the profound impact she has on the arts and our community. We celebrate not only her stellar contributions to entertainment but also her unwavering dedication to giving back and empowering future generations through her non-profit, Color Farm Impact. Her iconic character, Maxine Shaw, inspired countless kids like me to pursue careers in law. This honor is a well-deserved recognition of her enduring legacy and a joyful celebration of one of Philadelphia’s brightest stars.”
Trey Shields, Director of Year-Round Programming and Senior Festival Programmer, Philadelphia Film Society and Festival, said, “Immediately after premiering AMERICAN FICTION with filmmaker Cord Jefferson at our 32nd Philadelphia Film Festival, our entire organization was extremely excited about not only Erika Alexander’s performance, but the strong ties and history she had with the Philadelphia arts and culture scene. When the opportunity arose for the Philadelphia Film Society to collaborate with Erika and her team on an event surrounding a city celebration of her work, we knew we wanted to feature her legacy in film and television. We hope to bring the Philadelphia community together to celebrate the past and look to the future for one of Philadelphia’s most gifted actors.”
Jesse Trussell, Director, Film Program and Strategy at BAM, remarked, “Erika Alexander’s iconic work on stage and screen has made her one of our favorite actors. With a connection to BAM going back 35 years, Erika’s work in the arts and in the community will be celebrated in our cinemas this September. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her back.”
FULL DETAILS OF EVENT: https://colorfarmimpact.org/erika-mid-career-event/
PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 19 – 21 2024)
Partners:
- Philadelphia Film Society
- Freedom Theatre
- Philadelphia Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., District 5
- Pennsylvania Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, District 181
Thursday, September 19
- 10:00 am: Ceremony & Presentation of Official Resolution, including remarks from Erika Alexander, at Philadelphia City Council Meeting, City Hall, Room 400
Friday, September 20
- LA MISSION Film Screening @ Film Society Center7:00 pm: Brief Intro from Erika Alexander
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- 7:05 – 9:00 pm: Screening of La Mission
- 9:05 – 9:45 pm: Talk-back after screening
Erika in conversation with special guest - 9:50 – 10:15 pm: Screening of Living Single episode featuring in-person, live commentary from Erika Alexander
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Saturday, September 21
- Street Renaming Ceremony @ Freedom Theatre, Master Street between Broad and Carlisle streets will be renamed “Erika Alexander Way”
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- 3:00 pm: Begin Ceremony
- 4:30 pm: End Ceremony
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- AMERICAN FICTION Film Screening @ Film Society Center
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- 7:00 pm: Brief Intro from Erika Alexander
- 7:05 – 9:00 pm: Screening of American Fiction
- 9:05 – 9:45 pm: Talk-back after screening
Erika in conversation with special guest - 9:50 – 10:15 pm: Screening of LIVING SINGLE episode featuring in-person, live commentary from Erika Alexander
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BROOKLYN (Sept. 27 – 28, 2024)
Partners:
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Friday, September 27
- AMERICAN FICTION Film Screening @ BAM
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- 7:00 pm: Brief Intro from Erika Alexander
- 7:05 – 9:00 pm: Screening of American Fiction
- 9:05 – 9:45 pm: Talk-back after screening
Erika in conversation with special guest - 9:50 – 10:15 pm: Screening of LIVING SINGLE episode featuring in-person, live commentary from Erika Alexander
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Saturday, September 28
- THE LONG WALK HOME Film Screening @ BAM
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- 7:00 pm: Brief Intro from Erika Alexander
- 7:05 pm – 9:00 pm: Screening of The Long Walk Home
- 9:05 – 9:45 pm: Talk-back after screening
Erika in conversation with special guest - 9:50 – 10:15 pm: Screening of LIVING SINGLE episode featuring in-person, live commentary from Erika Alexander
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Media Contacts:
COLOR FARM IMPACT
Ben Arnon | ben@colorfarmmedia.com | 310-621-3579 (cell)
PHILADELPHIA FILM SOCIETY
Heike Rass | hrass@filmadelphia.org | 215-407-6617 (cell)
OFFICE OF PHILADELPHIA COUNCILMEMBER JEFFEREY YOUNG, JR.
Onyx Finney | onyx.finney@phila.gov | 267-240-9906 (cell)
BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC (BAM)
Kory Mello | kory@obscuredpictures.com
Ao Lan Guo | aolan@obscuredpictures.com
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ABOUT PHILADELPHIA FILM SOCIETY
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is the region’s home for classic and contemporary film presentation, education, entertainment, and community building. A nonprofit, community-supported organization, PFS produces the acclaimed Philadelphia Film Festival, curates an extensive year-round film program celebrating the past and future of world cinema, and provides education and community outreach programs, all serving to raise awareness of film as an important art form and vital piece of Philadelphia’s arts and culture community.
Presented at the Philadelphia Film Center, PFS Bourse and PFS East theaters, the Film Society’s offerings include film series with a unique global and local perspective, Movies on the Block, PFS On Us, and PFS Teacher Residencies across Philadelphia schools. For more information, visit filmadelphia.org.
33rd Philadelphia Film Festival, October 17-27, 2024
11 Days. 100+ Films. Made For Philly.
