CinéSPEAK Journal
The cinéSPEAK Journal is an online-only publication furthering cinéSPEAK’s overall mission of building and uplifting independent film community in Philadelphia. The journal aims to serve as a hub, with stories and information about local community film events, artists and film organizations, and film news and issues.
We create paid opportunities for emerging writers to develop their skills and publish articles highlighting how film and media contribute to social movement building, with a primary focus on Philadelphia and connections to the world at large.
History of the Journal
Founded in 2020
The cinéSPEAK Journal has published hundreds of articles about the Philadelphia independent filmmaking scene. The journal came about through a collaborative process with an Editorial Collective, made up of an appointed (nominated from within) group of filmmakers, journalists, and community organizers that informed the processes of the journal. For almost three years, the Editorial Collective informed the vision and annual goals of the cinéSPEAK Journal to help us be intentional about the types of stories that we publish. Although the Editorial Collective was dissolved in 2023, their work helped shape the journal in its earliest stages.
In 2022, the cinéSPEAK Journal launched the Philly Beat Fellowship (now the Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship) as an opportunity to support local emerging arts and culture writers. The fellowship has served to strengthen and train talented critics who have gone on to write for other publications.
The cinéSPEAK Journal writers also bring their critical lens to cinéSPEAK public programs by facilitating filmmaker Q&As and panel discussions.
Ways to Get Involved
For Philly-based writers:
Philly-based Filmmakers, Arts and Culture Workers, & Film Event Producers:
We want to know you! We comb through these form submissions and choose some to turn into a feature
For events, fill out this form so we can consider promoting your event and including it in our Cinematic Events Round-Up.
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