New Visions of Philadelphia

In-person screening presented at The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania 

Please join us to celebrate new works from our 2022 Documentary History Project For Youth program. Each year, youth participants create short documentary films as a way to explore some aspect of the social, political and cultural history of Philadelphia. In our current post-pandemic era, this year, our teens reflected on New Visions of Philadelphia– grappling with pertinent themes such as gun violence, disability rights, Philadelphia’s unique music scene, and more. Filmmakers include: Anwar Alcide, Shelby Allen, Kamani Bright, Carlos Carmona, Bernard Cross, Kameron Palmer, Sylvan Prey-Harbrough, Chase Morrison, Alfie Safier, Malaya Ulan and Cedar Walton.

Films to be screened: 

Radical: Come as You Are

By: Sylvan Prey-Harbough and Bernard Cross

This documentary will show you the true and past story of Broad Street Ministry.

It’s about a helping center that was once a church. It shows how the city of Philadelphia changed a church into not only a place of worship but also an organization that seeks to  help people having a hard time in their lives. 

Video Game Violence

By: Chase Morrison

This film interviews people about video game violence, and how they feel about it.

Philadelphia: City of Brotherly Love?

By: Anwar Alcide and Kameron Palmer

An introspective of Philadelphia and her people through a personal lens.

Philadelphia is known for its historic value, both in past and present events. Despite the city's fame many believe it to be dangerous, with drugs and gangs around every corner. This film looks to personalize the lived experience(s) of everyday  Philadelphians, newcomers and long-dwellers of the city who have been impacted by rising crime rates and new innovations. 

She Said: Art as Activism

    By Malaya Ulan

The documentary, She Said: Art as Activism features inspiring women of color who are performance artists in the city of Philadelphia.  It contains interviews with Philadelphia legends and homegrown artists. Whether they are poets, dancers, musicians, or visual artists, this documentary examines the effect of their work on themselves and others. This documentary aims to answer our questions, How have women of color used performance art to heal, connect, express, and fight injustice? And why has art been a tool of choice to work towards social change?

Life with New Flesh

By Alfie Safier and Kamani Bright

Prosthetics are something generally known about to the public. We all know they exist, however amputees’ perspective on prosthetics and their daily experiences are something that isn’t commonly known. This isn’t a mechanical exploration, not a sob story, but one seeking to elaborate certain perspectives and comment on individuality. We will dive deeper into the world of prosthetics and amputees to find out just that. We’ll interview some people with prosthetic attachments and get their perspectives on the subject. 

Pass the Mic

By: Shelby Allen, Cedar Walton, and Carlos Carmona

What’s your favorite musician? Be it Michael Jackson or the Beatles? Lady gaga or Prince? Everyone has a personal sound that defines them as a person. Clump everyone together? And you got a generational soundtrack that defines, reflects and provides a unique window into that time period. Yet as the times change, how will the music we listen to change and evolve?. By interviewing music makers and  enjoyers, young and old, Follow a group of young filmmakers as they tackle this very question. Enjoy  lighthearted documentary, celebrating the melodies of  Philly's black music scene through the years from the ones that created it all, as we PASS THE MIC.