21 Nov A Call to Fund the Future of Cinema Magic

BY RASHEED Z. AJAMU

Sarah Mueller once worked at TLA Video on Locust Street, a video store that specialized in renting arthouse cinema films.  With the combination of the store closing in 2011, Netflix’s DVD program which pushed video rental stores out of business, and Netflix and other companies launching streaming services in 2007-2010, Mueller had well-founded concerns about the future of the cinema. Though she had “no stretch of imagination” that she could save the entire film industry, she did worry about how the vanishing video stores and indie theaters might change how people enjoyed movies.

“I know so many people can relate to the collective joy of going to the movies–from the anticipation of walking into the theater with the posters and neon lights, the smell of the popcorn, the lights going down, and even the trivia games,” Mueller explained. “Screaming or laughing with friends and strangers while watching a movie is one of the coolest and most unique social experiences.”

It was this realization of how movies have a unique power to bring people and communities together that led Mueller to found cinèSPEAK. Over the last ten years, the organization has supported artists and filmmakers from both Philadelphia and around the world by screening their work and providing opportunities for them to connect with audiences. cinéSPEAK is more committed than ever to providing a platform for individuals who are not only underrepresented in contemporary mainstream media but have been historically excluded. They are now calling on their community to join them in supporting Philadelphia artists and independent film lovers and expanding their reach by donating to their “$10k for 10 years” campaign.

The financial support they seek goes beyond keeping the lights on or merely surviving. It’s about empowering local artists to thrive, enabling them to focus on their work, and fostering collaboration to keep their creative stories alive.

One way they achieve this is through artist salons called “In Process,” which allow audiences to have intimate conversations with filmmakers and see excerpts of their current work. “Artists have the opportunity to come and really geek out about their craft, how they got into filmmaking, why they do it, and what they’ve learned,” Mueller elaborates. Another avenue is their annual Under The Stars at Clark Park summer film festival, which “brings audiences together for magical evenings of outdoor cinema at one of Philadelphia’s most beloved green spaces.”

While many of their events require an admission fee, tickets are offered on a sliding scale–no one is ever turned away. This model, aligned with their mission, ensures everyone has equal access to the spaces cinéSPEAK creates.

Further demonstrating their commitment to Philadelphia creatives, the cinèSPEAK Journal has introduced a fellowship program called the Philly Beat Fellowship, offering paid, year-long learning opportunities for individuals to gain valuable film journalism experience while receiving compensation. They aim to support emerging artists with platforms for their work along with appropriate compensation. 

Another vital aspect of cinèSPEAK’s vision is redirecting funding towards emerging local film exhibition organizations. They understand the challenges faced by these groups, as cinèSPEAK has previously been in a similar position. Their initiatives include funding indie film organizations’ events, offering them paid curatorships, and directly sponsoring programs they’ve already designed. In the long term, cinèSPEAK aspires to become a fiscal sponsor for some of these groups as well as local filmmakers, helping them access more substantial grant funding to grow and sustain their work.

These aspects of cinéSPEAK’s work–keeping ticket costs accessible while also paying local artists and staff members well–are integral parts of the organization’s values. However, they also cost money. Mueller stresses the importance of any dollar amount from community members, as “it all builds” and contributes to cinèSPEAK’s ability to continue fostering a thriving independent film scene.

In their efforts to create sustainable work, cinèSPEAK envisions a future where they can enhance their impact by hiring more staff with fair pay and healthcare, supporting more local creatives, and even establishing a brick-and-mortar cinema.

Additionally, they aspire to train individuals interested in pursuing careers in filmmaking, providing practical skills and financial compensation during their learning phase. Training the next generation of artists and event producers is a critical step in expanding cinèSPEAK’s influence. They are eager to pass down the knowledge they’ve accumulated and nurture a new wave of creators. As Sarah Mueller remarks, “We want to train young people, train adults who are thinking about different careers and how to do event production and public program design and implementation.”

To celebrate their remarkable journey, cinèSPEAK invites the community to a grand 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, December 9, 2023. This event marks not only a milestone for cinèSPEAK but for the community they have profoundly impacted.

The celebration promises an unforgettable night filled with music, food, and an open bar. The highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of illustrations by the renowned artist Kah Yangni, reflecting cinèSPEAK’s journey over the last ten years and its future direction.

This celebration is not just a party; it’s an opportunity for the community to show its support for cinèSPEAK and the incredible work they have accomplished over the past decade. It’s also an important moment to contribute to their ongoing mission of empowering local artists and filmmakers. Your presence at the anniversary celebration is not just a chance to have a great time; it’s a tangible way to support a brighter future for Philadelphia’s independent film-making and film-loving community.
As cinèSPEAK expands its impact and endeavors to empower local artists even more, your support is integral to its mission. By investing in their work, you become a vital part of the thriving, diverse, and vibrant independent filmmaking scene in Philadelphia. Make a gift today and purchase tickets to the 10th Anniversary Celebration.

*Featured Image: Image of cinéSPEAK team member and audience member embracing at a 2023 Under the Stars event. Image credit: Morgan Smith.

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Rasheed Z. Ajamu is a Black queer writer, content creator, and servant leader. They are a reporter at the Germantown Info Hub and curate content for the Phreedom Jawn Instagram page.