Philly Film Society Brings Outdoor Movie Nights to Underserved Neighborhoods

The summer outreach program offers free screenings accompanied by Zumba classes, games, live performances and so much more.

Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is bringing outdoor cinema out into Philly’s neighborhoods, venturing into four areas whose residents usually have to venture to Center City to enjoy such activities.

Movies on the Block is a free outreach program dedicated to uniting Philadelphia communities and breaking down social, economic and geographic barriers through the art of film. The series will offer much more than a couple hours of cinematic entertainment. PFS is collaborating with community leaders to bring celebratory activities to accompany each screening. The series will reflect each neighborhood’s unique character in an attempt to bring the community together through shared cultural experiences.

Each screening will begin at 8 p.m. in four local neighborhoods: Newbold (July 12), Belmont (July 29), Kingsessing (August 22) and Kensington (September 3).

The complete schedule is listed below, with trailers and information about the accompanying activities.

Sunday, July 12th: Newbold

Location: 15th Street between Mifflin and Moore
Rain Site: The Aquinas Center, 1719 Morris Street

Up-and-coming South Philly enclave Newbold will kick off the series. Those looking to express deep thoughts or explore their inner hipster will be called to join community poetry workshops. Other activities unique to the Newbold experience will include a moving performance by local actor Carlo Campbell and a postcard design and writing project related to the featured film.

Featured Film: Brownstones to Red Dirt

Wednesday, July 29: Belmont

Location: Belmont Charter School Yard, 4030 Brown Street
Rain Site: Belmont Charter School Auditorium

Belmont is on a health kick. The neighborhood will feature activities in the same vein as the presented film, Bite Size. Before kicking back in front of the big screen, burn off calories at one of the two (or both) Zumba classes provided by People’s Emergency Center uGO. If dancing in public isn’t your thing, head over to the courts for a pickup basketball tournament. Fresh produce and other healthy treats will be provided by Greensgrow Mobile Food Trucks, Eat Right Now and Farm Explorer.

Featured Film: Bite Size

Saturday, August 22: Kingsessing

Location: Kingsessing Library Grounds, 1201 South 51st Street
Rain Site: Kingsessing Library (Indoors)

Spend quality time with the kids and partake in activities the whole family can enjoy. The 5th District Neighbors Coalition is giving Kingsessing a chance to engage in a variety of family-friendly competitions. Residents from across the neighborhood can go head-to-head in a game of Family Feud, play outdoor games, create arts and crafts projects or get a tour of the community garden. Throughout the night, local groups will provide a live musical soundtrack to liven up the streets.

Featured Film: The Boy And The World

Thursday, September 3: Kensington

Location: Kensington High School Football Field, 1901 North Front Street
Rain Site: Kensington High School Auditorium

Kensington will host a homecoming event that will be all too familiar to teens and bring the older crowd back to yesteryear. Cheer on your favorite team during a football scrimmage and enjoy the music by Kensington CAPA Drum Line followed by the CAPA Jazz Combo. Attendees can visit food trucks and contribute to a pep rally themed art project.

Featured Film: Girlhood