Last weekend saw the annual Blackstar Film Festival once again demonstrate to the world the power cinema can have in bringing together communities for inspiration, conversation, and liberation.
The rest of the year will see even more film festivals grace the screens of Philly from the likes of The Women’s Film Festival (Sept. 18-28), the 34th Philadelphia Film Festival (Oct. 16-26), the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation (Nov. 6-16), and many more.
While you plan your out of office or “sick” days during those fest dates, I wanted to highlight some exciting, air-conditioned-fill screenings for the rest of August.
Philly Film Showcase
Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Film Society East
I want to let you in on a little secret: Philadelphia is home to hundreds of creative filmmakers churning out unique, groundbreaking work that ranges from sobering character studies to WTF-inducing genre fare. The Philly Film Showcase is the Philadelphia Film Society’s longest running recurring monthly program that shines a spotlight on filmmakers in our own backyard. Each month, the programming team curates a selection of shorts from filmmakers followed by a Q&A with their creative teams. It’s a chance to see fresh and exciting work. The best part? It’s free!
‘The Toxic Avenger’ Trilogy
Saturday, Aug. 16, 4 p.m., Film Society East
If gross-out, ‘80s sleaze is more your speed, PFS is screening the first three “Toxie” films in celebration of the release of Macon Blair’s brand new entry into the cult classic series on Aug. 29, ‘The Toxic Avenger.’ Fun fact: The composers for the newest entry are none other than Philadelphia-based Brooke and Will Blair. Besides giving the Bacon Brothers a run for best music duo in town, the Blair Brothers have scored a number of films including the recent Netflix megahit, ‘Rebel Ridge.’
Kung Fu Matinees
Saturdays and Sundays, August and September, 1 p.m., Film Society East
Whether you have fond nostalgic memories of slurping cereal in your PJs watching dubbed kung fu theater every Saturday on the TV or not, I encourage all to come check out our newest series, Kung Fu Matinees. Working with Reel Nomadic out of Port Richmond, we have put together an exciting, action packed selection of kung fu (and beyond) films. Many of these films have rarely screened in Philly in their original language. Highlights include 1979’s action comedy ‘Dirty Ho’ and 1967’s wuxia epic ‘Dragon Inn.’
‘The Thing’ with 70mm Podcast
Saturday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Film Society East
After last year’s sell-out screening of ‘Psycho’, the fellas over at 70mm Podcast are once-again partnering with PFS to present ‘The Thing.’ John Carpenter’s heralded masterpiece will leave you chill to the bone despite the heat. Expect custom posters, giveaways, and a whole lot of film nerdom at the screening. Plus there will be a post-screening hangout afterwards.
