Upcoming Events
Archives of Resistance, Films for Mobilizing
This is event is 4th Annual Local Filmmaker Showcase presented by Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF), produced and hosted by cinéSPEAK.
EVENT FLOW
DOORS @ 6:30PM — Come early to mix n' mingle and enjoy light refreshments by Philly Hummus Girl
FILMS @ 7:00PM—with Q&A with filmmakers and interactive dialogue with the audience to follow
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TICKETS
GENERAL ADMISSION: FREE! Registration is Requested Seating is first come, first served.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Join us for a special community screening as seven Philadelphia filmmakers share films that preserve community histories and draw from the well of collective wisdom. Film themes include radical peacemaking, defiant resting, intergenerational labor organizing, diving into personal archives, and dance as an act of resistance. Each film will explore and reveal the many ways we can heal, be inspired, and mobilize.
About the Films (in order of appearance):
Through Our Hands Working Title
Director Thien Dinh / 2022 - Present / US / English, Tagalog, Cantonese with open captions in English / Excerpt: 20 min
As calls to “Make America Great Again” and “Buy American, Hire American” echo across the country in 2025, promising a return to American goods made by American labor, this film asks: Who is an “American” worker? Through the stories of AAPI worker struggles, this film explores the racial foundations of the American working class, and its relationship to labor, empire, and resistance. Follow the untold stories behind the slogan of Buy American and meet AAPI and immigrant workers fighting everyday for dignity, solidarity, and justice.
Please note: This excerpt features temporary color and sound.
Janazah
Director Aaron Brokenbough / 2025 / US / English open captions in English / 3 min
A quiet meditation on prayer, death, and the tender, evolving bond between mother and son, the film explores grief and spiritual intimacy with lyrical restraint.
Queen Mother: Falaka Fattah and the House of Umoja
Director Jos Duncan Asé; Producers Jos Duncan-Asé and Jason Pollard / Excerpt: 12 min
When gang violence tore through Philadelphia, one mother opened her home—and her heart—to help build a movement for peace. Now at 93, she’s calling a new generation to remember the power of unity, love, and community healing. Queen Mother is a work in progress documentary film by Jos Duncan-Ase, co-produced and edited by Jason Pollard. To support the completion of this project visit: houseofumojafilm.com
The Cure for Depression
Director Elijah Crawford / 2024 / US / English open captions in English / Execerpt: 12 min
The Cure For Depression is an absurdist dark comedy following the journey of Edie, a young woman grappling with depression in a society consumed by toxic positivity. Her quest to cure her mental illness leads her to stumble upon a self-help cassette tape at her birthday party. As she blindly follows the tape's instructions, Edie finds the further she assimilates into societal expectations, the further she descends into madness.
SOFT In Progress
Director Sarah Krusen / 2025 / US / English / Excerpt: 1 min 30 sec
SOFT is a meditation on rest and liberation for Black women. Through intimate interviews, poetic imagery, archival footage, and interpretive movement, the film explores how the historical treatment of Black women, rooted in labor, control, and disposability, has shaped present-day exhaustion. SOFT uses this lineage as a launching point to examine rest as a radical act of resistance, healing, and reclamation. Blending science, spirit, and intergenerational insight, the film makes a compelling case for why rest is essential, not just for everyone, but especially for Black women.
Please note: The teaser is a rough cut with partial color and sound design. The full film is expected to complete in 2026.
Cempōhualli Xiuhtonalli Macehualiztli, 20 years of Aztec Dance in Philadelphia Work in Progress
Director Brujo de la Mancha / 2005 - Present / US / Spanish with open captions in English / Execerpt: 2 min 5 sec
OYC is the first Danza Aztec troupe in Philadelphia, and through our work and training, several others have formed groups in the area. Over the years, we sponsored master dancers, musicians, and instrument and regalia makers and brought them to Philadelphia for events and workshops. Danza Azteca is a ceremonial practice that is central to Mexica culture and was called "In Cuicatl In Xochitl" (the Song and the Flower), because it was a form of offering that allowed contact with the deities that manifested in nature. The ritual dance, called Mitotiliztli, contains ancestral scientific and spiritual knowledge. And the popular dance was called Macehualiztli. Danza encompasses our worldview and cosmology.
Bumpa In Progress
Director Kayla Naomi Watkins / 2022 - 2025 / US / English / 30 min
This documentary will explore the Afro-Caribbean dance, ‘whining’ alongside the practice of twerking to analyze respectability politics, pressures to accommodate whiteness, and gendered criticism of sexual expression within the Black diaspora. The film centers the testimony of burlesque, hip hop, and Caribbean dancers as they reflect on their experiences with these ancient dances.
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COVID SAFETY
This event is indoors. Masks are required when not eating or drinking. We will have free masks available at check-in. If you are feeling sick, we kindly request that you stay home.
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PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. By attending this event, you consent to your image/likeness, voice, and/or name being used in photographs and/or film, and any reproductions or adaptations thereafter, by Independence Public Media Foundation to use in any and all print and digital media in perpetuity. If you do not wish to be photographed and/or filmed, reach out to Enni Aigbomian, Communications and Events Manager, at enni@independencemedia.org.
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ABOUT INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC MEDIA FOUNDATION:
Mission / Vision:
The Independence Public Media Foundation funds and supports creative, community-centered media and media making across Greater Philadelphia. The Foundation’s goals reflect an expansive definition of media, including journalism, digital equity, and creative expression, as a pathway for building power with communities. Through grant-making and other programs, IPMF supports building and strengthening networks of people who are creating and sharing information, ideas, and stories for justice and change.
Follow the Journey-->
cinéSPEAK @ Calvary
801 S. 48th Street
September 25, 2025, 6:30 - 9:00 PM EDT
Setting The Table: A Dinner Party with Philly Hummus Girl
An evening inspired by Sami Tamimi’s “Boustany”, a homage to Palestinian food and culture.
You’re invited to a special DVAA Dinner Party in collaboration with Philly Hummus Girl + Binding Agents.
Ticket: $150
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Date: Friday, September 12
Address: 704 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA
A Ticket Includes A Donation To The Gallery, A Refreshing Cocktail (or Mocktail!), and A Delicious Meal!
On Friday, September 12, Da Vinci Art Alliance in partnership with Binding Agents invites you to gather for Setting the Table: A Dinner Party with Philly Hummus Girl, a one-night-only fundraising dinner bringing together art, food, and community.
Drawing inspiration from Sami Tamimi’s acclaimed cookbook Boustany: A Celebration of Vegetables from My Palestine, Philly Hummus Girl will craft a delicious late summer menu.
All proceeds will support the ongoing community centered programming at Da Vinci Art Alliance.
TICKETS & DONATIONS
This event is a fundraiser with limited seating. Ticket proceeds support Da Vinci Art Alliance’s ongoing community centered programming. A ticket will include a donation to the gallery, a refreshing cocktail, a delicious meal, an evening with fellow art lovers. Thanks to our partner Binding Agents, Boustany will be available to buy at the dinner.
ABOUT THE FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS
Philly Hummus Girl began with a craving for something familiar – the kind of authentic, accessible mezze and pantry staples Chef Miranda grew up with in the Middle East. Inspired by recipes passed down from her grandfather, a Lebanese chef, she set out to share the region’s rich flavors and cultural traditions through food. What began as a fundraiser for the Lebanese Red Cross quickly evolved into pop-ups, modern catering spreads, and a growing Philly following obsessed with her seasonal mezze – and of course, her family recipe for creamy, flavor-packed hummus.
Binding Agents Nestled in Philadelphia’s culinary epicenter, the 9th Street Italian Market, Binding Agents is a bookstore for anyone who loves food. Founded in 2024, the shop specializes in cookbooks, offering an extensive collection of contemporary and classic titles for experienced chefs, aspiring home cooks, eager eaters who hate turning on the oven, and everyone in between. They also carry a carefully curated selection of food-focused reads, including delicious memoirs, craveable fiction, savory (and unsavory) history and scrumptious books for kids.
DVAA Founded by 16 Italian immigrants seeking creative refuge, Da Vinci Art Alliance continues to connect diverse communities through art that challenges, empowers, and transforms. Approaching a century of service, we remain a vital force in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, equipping artists to reimagine the future and confront today’s challenges.
Hot Girl Mezze Summer - Part DEUX!!!
ITS HOT GIRL MEZZE SUMMER!!!!!
ALL SUMMER LONG — I’ll be dropping a fresh rotating menu for pickup in the Italian Market!
Each drop includes:
🫒 Our classic mezze dips & chips
🥙 Rotating entrées (shawarma...lobster rolls...!!)
🔥 A surprise featured menu item each drop!!
ORDERS CLOSE ON 8/22 ! <— Click here to order!
Philly Hummus Girl at Mural City Full Moon Fete
Philly Hummus Girl at Mural City Full Moon Fete
We’re toasting to the full moon with all things mystical and magical. Join us in the wine garden for astrology and tarot readings, flash tattoos, healing sessions, art, vintage and apothecary vendors and live music.
The Ice Cream Souk @The Souk!
Philly Hummus Girl Pop-up @The Souk on Passyunk!
We’re back at The Souk on Passyunk for a new refreshing pop-up called THE ICE CREAM SOUK — hosted by @shopminimalchaos — on Saturday, August 2nd at 12PM-2PM or until we sell out!
BOOZA – A stretchy, chewy Syrian-style ice cream made with mastic and ground sahlab from orchid tubers.
FALOODEH BASTANI – A Persian dessert of icy rice noodles sweetened with rosewater and lime, served over saffron-infused vanilla ice cream (called bastani), topped with tart sour cherry syrup.
While you’re keeping cool with our sweet treats, be sure to explore The Souk! It is such a cool spot and Sarah, the owner and curator, has created a beautiful community space for everyone to come enjoy and learn about Arab culture!
These were my fave sweets when I was growing up in Dubai! I lived in Deira, an older neighborhood along the historic Silk route - so I’m excited for my childhood faves to become your faves too!
Yalla byeee see you there!!
Pop-up Catering Event: A Moondance Open House with Central Stem @The Indie Shelf, Malvern
Join us for a Moondance Open House
🌙 Wednesday, July 23 | 5–8pm | The Indie Shelf, Malvern
Celebrate the New Moon with an evening of intention, beauty, and abundance. Enjoy bubbles and snacks while you browse indie beauty favorites and artisan tablewares from a special Central Stem pop-up with a mezze grazing spread by Philly Hummus Girl.
Poser Creative will also be joining us for a ticketed sound bath at 7pm — a moment to ground, reflect, and set intentions under the glow of the new moon.
To RSVP for the sound bath, please visit here.
HOT GIRL MEZZE SUMMER MENU DROP!
ITS HOT GIRL MEZZE SUMMER!!!!!
ALL SUMMER LONG — I’ll be dropping a fresh rotating menu for pickup in the Italian Market!
Each drop includes:
🫒 Our classic mezze dips & chips
🥙 Rotating entrées (shawarma...lobster rolls...!!)
🔥 A surprise featured menu item each drop!!
PRE-ORDERS OPEN FOR PICKUP ON 7/15 ! <— Click here to order!
![B[L]OK Party at BOK!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741d70b859e51212a5266f2/1749512174299-2Q566R7RRI6YJHX9NX01/IMG_3635.jpeg)
B[L]OK Party at BOK!
WOODER ICE ARTICLE:
Who doesn’t love a great block party? Bok will host its 9th annual B[L]OK PARTY on Sunday, June 29th from noon to 4pm. This free and family-friendly neighborhood street fair will take place on Mifflin Street between 8th and 9th Streets. Neighbors and friends are invited to celebrate all things Bok and South Philly with activities for kids and adults of all ages, including a bouncy castle, food trucks, arts and crafts, live music, fire truck demos, and more.
Discover a mix of Made at Bok vendors representing the building’s creative community, alongside interactive booths hosted by local artists, makers, and community partners. Explore hands-on art activities, live demonstrations, and face painting with participants including Studio Bladel, Lace in the Moon, WearPhilthy, Char and Whiskers, Holly Simple, Tuft the World, Beehive Playspace, The Welcoming Center’s Global Craft Market, Tenangos Philly, Bok Tech Alumni, the Office of State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, and South Philadelphia Community Fridge. Plus, don’t miss the chance to score some exclusive Bok 10th Anniversary merch — available only at the B[L]OK Party!
Enjoy delicious eats from local food favorites including Lil Pop Shop, Philly Hummus Girl, Adelita Taqueria, Pecel Ndeso, Pretzel Day Pretzels, Brazas BBQ Chicken, Los Cuatro Soles, and Burrito Feliz. Bok Bar will also be serving up drinks at their festive sidewalk pop-up. Live performances by CAGE, Batala Philly, Nuuxakun and DJ Global Master Groove will keep the energy high all afternoon long.
Room Shop Midsommar Market
Room Shop is turning 8 and we are celebrating by transforming our hallway into a marketplace of all of our favorite brands.
Allen Studio
Feast Jewelry
Floating World
New June Bakery
Nicole Dawson Vintage
Philly Hummus Girl
Ros Floral
Souvenir
Superette / Le Caveau
Yowie
Souk by Minimal Chaos - Intro to Tatreez Workshop
Join Us in the Souk for a Tatreez Workshop with Samar Dahleh
Thursday, May 8th
1825 East Passyunk Ave
6PM – 9PM
Your Ticket Includes:
- All tatreez supplies needed for the workshop, leaving with your own Tatreez sampler motif by the end of class
- Arab Mezze catered by Philly Hummus Girl
- 10% off Minimal Chaos transactions
- All levels welcome, no experience needed!
What is Tatreez?
Tatreez is a traditional Palestinian embroidery technique passed down through generations, rich with stories of heritage, identity, and resistance. Each stitch holds meaning, telling tales of family, culture, and resilience.
Read more about the history of tatreez on our blog.
Meet your instructor:
Samar Dahleh is a Palestinian activist, creative, and lifelong learner. With a background in Political Science, Philosophy, and Criminology, Samar’s passion for tatreez is rooted in heritage and preservation. She’s learned from elders and influential tatreezers across the country, carrying their wisdom forward one stitch at a time.
Naseeb Launch Party
We’re inviting you into our new studio + showroom in the Bok Building! Let's celebrate this new beginning with like-minded small businesses and creatives while showing off our new ✨creative playground✨
Pop-Up Brunch @Herman's Coffee
HABIBI SUPPER CLUB x PHILLY HUMMUS GIRL
We’re teaming up for a Lebanese brunch pop-up you won’t want to miss! 🇱🇧✨
📍 Herman’s Coffee – 1313 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA
📅 Sunday, March 23 | 1 PM until we sell out!
CHECK OUT THE MENU HERE
PLEASE NOTE: This is a pop-up event with no table service—reservations are not required!
Norooz (Persian New Year!)
Norooz “New Day” is the ancient Persian celebration of the new year and first day of spring.
We’re so excited to invite you all to ring in the year 1404 with us! It is a time-honored tradition that transcends borders, bringing people together in a spirit of unity, hope, and joy. Consider this a fresh start; a night to shed the old, and step into the new year with dancing, food, music, and more! We’ve brought together DJs, chefs, cultural curators, and artists to bring this evening to life.
Dress to impress in vibrant colors, prepare to dance, and embrace the spirit of rebirth
🌷 🎧DJ sets by Obreezybeats, DJ Viks, Baba Pishi
😋Persian Classics and Lebanese bites by Neema Kashi and Philly Hummus Girl
🎶 Additional entertainment and installations to be announced soon 🙂↕️ 🎟️
Suggested entry: $15, no one will be turned away for lack of funds, this is an inclusive space
🥂Cash bar (ATM at venue)
See you on the dance floor! 🪩🧿
RSVP HERE!!
Philly Hummus Girl Valentines Special!!
Celebrate love with a seven-course mezze feast, beautifully packaged in a heart-shaped charcuterie box. This indulgent spread highlights the herbaceous and aromatic flavors of the Middle East, offering the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spice for a romantic date night in. Whether you're sharing it with someone special or treating yourself, this Valentine’s mezze is crafted with love—because the best way to the heart is through food. ❤️🍽️
We partnered with Light & Leisure Candles to accompany your mezze with a signature scent, Oud Rose & Tomato Leaf!
Limited availability—reserve yours now! 💌
Makers Table
The Makers Table is a dinner party experience designed for creatives, artists, and makers to come together, collaborate, and connect. Each dinner spotlights a different industry or creative niche. For dinner No.6, we’re focusing on women in the hospitality industry.
This evening is about celebrating how women have carved out meaningful spaces within hospitality. As more women step into leadership roles, their influence is creating more inclusive decision-making and a stronger focus on collective well-being. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of women in hospitality and showcase the creativity and strength they bring to the industry.
Please note that The Makers Table is invite-only.