The Citizen Recommends

BlackStar Film Festival 2023

The Philadelphia-born pillar of excellence in film celebrates BIPOC-made movies and the people who make them — with care for all

By Kiersten A. Adams
The Citizen Recommends

Gradually, Then Suddenly — The Bankruptcy of Detroit Screening

The newest documentary from Sam Katz’s History Making Productions exhibits a universal story about municipal problem-solving

By Ethan Young
Art For Change

The People’s Projectionist

Klip Collective founder Ricardo Rivera, known for dazzling projection pieces, cites music as his main inspiration, in the latest in our partnership with Forman Arts Initiative

By Logan Cryer
The Citizen Recommends

Free Speech Film Festival

The American INSIGHT festival, which culminates with an awards program in Philadelphia on Saturday, explores a fundamental insight: Without free speech, we aren’t really free.

By Lauren Earline Leonard
The Citizen Recommends

The Tunnel Premiere

West Philadelphia filmmaker Kyle Jordan debuts a suspenseful short about the lingering, haunting effects of everyday Black trauma

By Lauren McCutcheon

George Carlin and Me

A riveting HBO documentary on the philosopher comic prompts some warm memories — and reminds us of what’s missing from today’s public conversation

By Larry Platt
The Citizen Recommends

Short Films From Kensington, North Philly, and Germantown

The Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s documentary film series aims to showcase the culture, community, and good works of often overlooked Philly neighborhoods

By Christina Griffith
The Citizen Recommends

Four Seasons Total Documentary

Big (huge!) thanks to MSNBC for bringing us Four Seasons Total Documentary, delving into just what actually happened on the one-year anniversary of the fiasco.

By Katherine Rapin
The Citizen Recommends

Our American Family

Hallee Adelman’s latest film is a raw and empathetic portrait of one local family’s struggle with—and determination to break free of—opioid addiction.

By Katherine Rapin
The Citizen Recommends

BlackStar Film Festival

Come together to support and celebrate the visionary work of Black, brown, and indigenous filmmakers from August 4 through 8

By Isabelle Eisenberg