About

PROUDLY PHILLY. BOLDLY INDEPENDENT.

SINCE 2013.

MISSION + VISION:

We are a Philadelphia-based cinema and film publication that engages diverse audiences through our globally-minded contemporary and repertory independent film programming; creating space and centering the stories of individuals and communities that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.

We promote community togetherness and global understanding by engaging film enthusiasts while cultivating the next generation of discerning moviegoers; encouraging people to demand social justice both on-screen and throughout society.

cinéSPEAK is an independent charitable 501(c)(3).

THE HEART OF WHO WE ARE:

Intrinsic to our work is the notion that having the ability and access to speak for yourself and/or your community, to experience and create deep and diverse depictions of one’s various identities in media is a basic human right.

While this most directly impacts individuals and communities historically-excluded by the media, moving image industry and society at-large, access to and engagement with narratives that more fully reflect the breadth of the human experience is essential for creating a wholistically equitable society—where white supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy is dismantled, hate is abolished and understanding and tolerance flourish.

Using cinema as a gathering tool to spark dialogue and new relationships amongst neighbors, we connect individuals with change-maker organizations and institutions while emboldening community members to be keepers and tellers of their own stories. Our programming is enlightening and entertaining while being advocacy-driven and community-centered.

We are driven to ensure that Philadelphia get and remain on the map as an indispensable city-stop for independent films on the festival circuit. We will continue to pursue film festival darlings that align with our mission to showcase, center, and premiere contemporary narratives produced by and for individuals and communities that are representative of the rich breadth of identities across our great city.