In a city where arts spaces continue to disappear, and funding remains extremely limited, filmmakers and programmers have increasingly relied on community-driven events to keep local cinema alive. For more than a decade now, Philadelphia-based organization cinéSPEAK has been one of the groups leading the effort, harboring a “DIY” spirit.
Founded in 2013 by Sarah Mueller, cinéSPEAK has built a reputation through public screenings, artist support, and accessible film events across the city. That mission returns to Clark Park this summer with the organization’s annual festival, Under The Stars.
Running every Friday from May 29 through June 19 in West Philly, the free festival combines live music and outdoor screenings of acclaimed nonfiction films fresh off the festival circuit.
Under The Stars aims to remove nearly every barrier to entry. Any guest can enter Clark Park and watch films that might otherwise have been screened only at major (and often expensive) festivals like Sundance or SXSW.
“Philadelphia seemed really hungry for more independent film,” Mueller told The Rolling Tape.
The festival first emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theater closures forced organizations like cinéSPEAK to rethink how audiences could experience films together. Rather than pulling back, the organization moved screenings outdoors.
This year’s lineup focuses entirely on nonfiction films centered around activism, organizing, immigration, gender justice, and collective care. The festival will also feature local short-film world premieres and partnerships with Philadelphia advocacy organizations aligned with those themes.
“We just hope people leave inspired,” Mueller said. “Maybe healed and full. I don’t know. I just hope people have some joy too, because that certainly is resistance.”
You can listen to our full conversation here.
Interview & Update Courtesy of Jake Fittipaldi
Feature Image via cinéSPEAK