Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, and the iconic Rocky steps, but beyond the landmarks and underdog boxer references lies a vibrant and deeply rooted film culture. Anchoring that cultural presence is the Philadelphia Film Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as a cornerstone for cinema in the city.
While the fall Philadelphia Film Festival in October often attracts the most attention as a major cinematic event in the city, SpringFest has steadily grown into a meaningful counterpart in early April. SpringFest offers a curated preview of films that have premiered at earlier festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, and Toronto. Each title is handpicked by PFS programmers to screen their Philadelphia premiere, showcasing narrative features, shorts, and documentaries that may go on to shape the cinematic year ahead.
This year, SpringFest will run from April 19 through April 25, offering a focused yet dynamic week of screenings with its biggest slate to date. What makes the 2025 edition especially noteworthy is the newly added emphasis on local filmmaking voices, marking the first time the festival will include a dedicated program of Philadelphia-made shorts and features. This addition reflects PFS’s evolving mission not only to bring world cinema to local audiences but also to elevate and invest in the creative voices emerging from the city itself. Select screenings will include post-film conversations with the directors and creative teams.
PFS’s year-round curation and programming create a space for audiences to engage with films in a theater setting across its three venues. Many past selections have gone on to be some of the most critically acclaimed films of their respective years, and the festival serves as an important indicator of the independent film landscape as it begins to take shape. Last year alone saw Sing Sing, Ghostlight, and I Saw the TV Glow, three of the year’s most critically acclaimed independent features, screen in a single weekend.
In a city often underrepresented on the national film stage, the work of the Philadelphia Film Society–especially through events like SpringFest–feels increasingly vital. These curated festivals provide access for Philadelphians to be in conversation with the broader currents of global cinema. For those who care deeply about the future of film and its ability to reflect, challenge, and inspire, SpringFest offers an opportunity to engage early and meaningfully. As a local Philadelphian, I am excited to be participating in my 4th consecutive SpringFest.
Here is the full lineup for SpringFest 2025:
After Hours Shorts: The Shrieks
Philly Stories Shorts Program
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Family Ties Shorts Program
Love is in the Air Shorts Program
What We Carry Shorts Program
After Hours Shorts: The Creeps
Update Courtesy of Danny Jarabek
Feature Image Credit to Philadelphia Film Society