21 Mar Philadelphia Organization Spotlight: SIFTMedia 215 Collective

BY ANDRE CHERRY

The cinéSPEAK Journal publishes a monthly Philadelphia Organization Spotlight highlighting a  local film or moving image focused organization, business, or collective doing unique and  impactful work.  

Black and Latinx women filmmakers seeking a community in Philadelphia among other socially conscious independent media artists can turn to SIFTMedia 215 for support. The SIFTMedia 215 Collective is a cooperative who seeks to use their strength to promote the work of Black and Latinx Women content creators. And by fostering a community that supports and shares resources, the SIFTMedia 215 collective is able to create long lasting, meaningful opportunities for women artists. 

This collective of Black women filmmakers are creating their art and making their own opportunities. cinéSPEAK asked Nikki Harmon, Program Director of SIFTMedia 215 Collective (SIFT), about the opportunities at SIFT, its impact on women of color filmmakers, and its hope for the Philadelphia filmmaking community. 

cinéSPEAK: What are some of the programs or opportunities at SIFT that folks can get involved in? 

SIFT: We host technical and professional workshops, virtually and in-person, that are open to the general public. Upcoming workshops include sound recording in the field, set building, and drone cinematography. 

cinéSPEAK: What is unique about your organization within the Philadelphia landscape? 

SIFT: We are a professional media collective that is comprised of Black and Brown women-identified media creatives. We share resources, build community, promote professional development, and fundraise as a collective to create and amplify our individual and collaborative projects. 

cinéSPEAK: What is one thing the general public might not know about SIFT? 

SIFT: We commissioned a survey to gather quantitative data on the state of our membership and their peers. 

The “Listen To What I Say” Report set out to examine the landscape of navigating the art and business of film & media making, affecting Women of Color (WOC). The Analysis Survey Project looked specifically at the experiences and challenges these women filmmakers face in Philadelphia and the surrounding community.  

According to SIFT, “Over 40 women participated in the Survey. A three-hour long, moderator led, follow-up focus group was held in May 2022. Five participants took a deep dive into the issues of the survey, agreeing to share more of their personal and professional experiences.” You can view excerpts of the “Listen To What I Say” presentation and panel discussion on YouTube. 

cinéSPEAK: What impact do you hope your organization has in the Philadelphia community? 

SIFT: We hope to be able to garner more money and resources for professional Black and Latinx women-identified film and media makers. We would like to produce more work in collaboration with each other and other groups that align with our mission, which is the liberation of our people from mental enslavement and physical harm.

cinéSPEAK: Is there anything exciting that is upcoming for SIFT?  

SIFT: We are planning a spring premiere screening of our first collective production, the COVID1619 Project. 

cinéSPEAK: I read that your goal with the COVID1619 Project is to create content that will aid communities in dealing with the trauma of COVID-19. Are you able to share any additional details about what this project entails? 

SIFT: It’s a series of short films by members of SIFTMedia 215 Collective that look at education, healthcare, governance, creativity, economics, and family from the Latinx and Black point of view. The project also expands to community programming in partnership with Philadelphia artists and activists–such as world-renowned poet, Ursula Rucker! 

The SIFT website further elaborates, “We are making several short two to eight minute films on issues of mental illness, immigration, inequities in healthcare, education disparities and cultural preservations.” 

cinéSPEAK: Is there anything else you would like us to know about SIFT? 

SIFT: We are always looking to form partnerships and advocate for Philadelphia filmmakers. 

For individuals, especially Black and Latinx women filmmakers, [who are] looking to learn more about SIFT, they can subscribe to the organization’s newsletter. Also, be sure to check out SIFT on social media, on Facebook or Instagram, for more updates! If you are interested in making a fully tax-deductible donation to help support the SIFTMedia 215 Collective, you can go here to contribute towards their mission.  

*Featured Image: Image of Eboni Zamani framing up Ursula Rucker. Image credit: Destiny Cox.

Would you like your organization to be featured in a future spotlight? Please fill out the  Philadelphia Organization Spotlight form. The cinéSPEAK Journal maintains sole discretion over  the publishing of any information provided via the form. Questions: journal@cinespeak.org.

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Andre Cherry’s love of storytelling compels him to create art. He is a cinéSPEAK Fellow, background actor, and writer. His screenplays have placed within the Austin Film Festival and Stowe Story Labs. Andre, who originally hails from the Chicagoland area, quickly grew to love Philadelphia after moving to the area in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Illinois State University.