Max Roach: Courtesy of The Film Collaborative

The West Philly-based cinema project, cinéSPEAK, voted “Best of Philly 2020” by Philadelphia Magazine, is bringing back its independent film programming to Clark Park. On Friday, May 26, cinéSPEAK’s 3rd Annual “Under the Stars at Clark Park” festival kicks off with the Philadelphia premiere of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes —the highly-anticipated documentary exploring the life and music of the legendary drummer, composer, bandleader, and social activist.

cinéSPEAK will present four film screenings every Friday through June 16 in fair weather. Rain dates are: Saturdays – May 27, June 3, June 10 and June 17.

Each event features premieres of independent films from around the world, local DJs, food trucks, and more. All events are free to attend.

Film screenings begin at 9 p.m., with live DJs and other programming starting at 7 p.m. (food trucks arrive at 5 p.m.). Registration is requested.

Here is the full 2023 festival program (for more details and free registration, go here):

Friday, May 26:
Pre-Show DJ: Cosmo Baker (all jazz set)
Film: Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes *Philadelphia Premiere*
In Partnership with Ars Nova Workshop
Co-Directors Sam Pollard & Ben Shapiro / US / English / 2023 / 82 min.

Friday, June 2:
Pre-Show DJ: John Morrison (all vinyl set; 60s psych, garage rock and soul)
Film: Hung Up On A Dream *Philadelphia Premiere*
Dir. Robert Schwartzman / US / English / 2023 / 116 min.

Friday, June 9:
Pre-Show DJ: lil Dave (Bossa Nova, Samba, and other Brazilian sounds)
Film: Black Orpheus / Orfeu Negro (1959)
Dir. Marcel Camus / Brazil, France / Portuguese / 1959 / 100 min.

Friday, June 16:
Film: Little Richard: I Am Everything (2023)
In Partnership with BlackStar Projects
Pre-Show DJ: To Be Announced
Dir. Lisa Cortés / US / English / 2023 / 98 min.